A police dog handler has been reported to the Crown Office in connection with a crash that resulted in the death of his beloved Labrador.
Constable George Shearer was on-duty with his two dogs when his van collided with a blue Vauxhall Astra on the A90 Aberdeen to Peterhead road, near Hatton, last February.
The 47-year-old suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
A second man – a Ministry of Defence Police officer stationed at St Fergus Gas Terminal – was also taken to hospital.
But in the days afterwards, Constable Shearer’s nine-year-old dog Sam had to be put down following surgery complications.
An investigation into the crash happened at the Auchiries crossroads, was carried out and has now been completed.
The results of the inquiry have now been passed to the Crown Office, who will determine if any charges should be filed.
A spokesman for the Crown Office said: “The Criminal Allegations Against The Police Division (CAAPD) of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has received notice of allegations concerning a 47-year-old male in relation to an incident in February 2017.
“The allegations are presently under consideration by CAAPD.”
When Sam the black Labrador died, he was described by the force as a “much-loved and valued member of the Police Scotland family”.
Superintendent Steven Irvine, of the police’s specialist operations unit said the decision to put the “hard-working hound” down was “extremely difficult”.
He 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 heavy hearts 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.”
