Police appeal to public for help in finding missing police dog

Officers in Aberdeenshire have appealed to the public for help in tracing a police dog after he went missing from kennels near Cairnie, Huntly.

Kilo, a black and white Spaniel, was being exercised by staff at around 6pm on Monday when he became unwell with an apparent seizure.

Officers said that when he came round, he ran off.

The four-year-old dog was sighted by a member of the public at about 10.30am on Tuesday, but despite a search of the area he has not been seen since.

Police said they were made aware of his disappearance on Wednesday.

Officers said concerns are growing about Kilo’s welfare, and they have asked anyone who sees the dog to contact them.

They added Kilo has a “friendly nature”, but that as a trained police dog (PD) he might not react to the public in the same way as other dogs.

Sergeant Paul Wigley, Police Dog Unit, said: “It is out of character for PD Kilo to run off, and this may have been caused by him becoming unwell.

“Concerns are growing that he may be injured and unable to respond when called.

“Searches are under way and officers are in the area. We are asking anyone who sees him to get in touch.

“PD Kilo is a trained police dog and while he has a friendly nature he may not react to the public in the same way that other dogs would.

“If you see him, stand still and engage in a normal manner as you would with any dog by speaking to him.

“He may stand and bark and this is normal behaviour for a trained police dog.

“If you see PD Kilo, call us on 101, quoting reference number 0922 of Wednesday March 11 2026.”