A “much loved” police dog has died following a serious crash on the A90.
The emergency services were called to a smash on the A90 Peterhead to Ellon road last Tuesday night close to Cruden Bay.
The incident involved a marked police dog van, which was carrying Sam, a nine-year-old black Labrador, at the time.
The beloved animal was taken to the vet following the accident, and at first was believed to be in a stable condition.
However, police have now confirmed that Sam was put down on Friday, March 3 after surgery complications.
Superintendent Steven Irvine, of the Specialist Operations Unit, said: “As a force we care a great deal about our dogs and although it was an extremely difficult decision to make, it was agreed with very heavy hearts that this was the best course of action for Sam.
“Sam was a much-loved and valued member of the Police Scotland family – as is the case with all our dogs – and he will be sorely missed.
“We are extremely proud of the fantastic crime-fighter Sam became and will always be grateful to him for the loyalty he showed his handler and the force.”
Constable George Shearer, who works as a dog handler, was on duty with Sam when he was involved in the smash.
He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in a critical condition after the crash, however he is now in a stable condition.
A Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) officer was also involved in the collision.
