Kane dies in his handler’s arms after earning the honour of being the oldest serving dog in the local police force

Kane in action with his handler PC Graham Ashby (Image: Archant)

Kane passed away in the arms of his handler PC Graham Ashby.

PC Ashby said: “Kane wasn’t in any pain when he passed away and he fell asleep peacefully in my arms.

“He truly was one of a kind. It was my pleasure and privilege to work and have so much time alongside him.

“He was a dog who wanted to go to work and enjoyed it.

Kane was the oldest serving police dog with the Beds, Cambs and Herts Unit (BCH) (Image: Archant)

“At every incident we attended Kane worked exceptionally hard and I will take away many proud memories of the time we had together as a team. “My family and I will miss him greatly.”

The German Shepherd retired in January this year after joining the unit aged 16 months.

Born in the Greater Manchester Police Puppy Programme, he helped make around 170 arrests and played a key role at incidents like searching for missing people, locating suspects and supporting officers at events like football matches in Peterborough and Watford.

Outside of work, Kane took part in a number of dog trials and competitions and also trotted along by Graham’s side to visit local community groups, provide demonstrations at fetes and give talks about their work to scouting groups, newly attested officers and members of the public.