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HERO HOUND: Police dog Hera retires after eight years catching criminals and even saving a life
A much-loved South Wales Police dog has retired after eight years of service — and what a career it has been.
PD Hera, a 10-year-old Dutch Herder, has hung up her harness after helping to catch criminals, find missing people and even save a life.
Originally brought over from Holland, she was one of the first female Dutch Herders to serve with the force.
She was named after Hera, the queen of the gods in Greek mythology — and her handler says she lived up to it.
Across her career, Hera helped track down and detain burglars, drug dealers and violent offenders, and played a key role in finding missing and vulnerable people across South Wales.
One incident in particular stands out. While helping officers following a pursuit, a suspect ran into a river and began to struggle in the cold water.
Hera tracked him in the dark and helped officers bring him safely to shore — showing not just her skill, but an instinct for when to protect life.
Her handler, Police Sergeant Joe McElroy, said Hera had been “a phenomenal dog from the day she was assigned to me.”
“She’s located countless offenders who simply wouldn’t have been found without her, but she’s also shown incredible judgement when it matters most, like helping to save a life,” he said. “She really is one of a kind.”
Hera’s talents have been recognised well beyond the force.
She is one of only a small number of police dogs in the UK to receive the prestigious Silver Blue Peter Badge for her service.
She also met His Majesty King Charles III — then the Prince of Wales — during South Wales Police’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Bridgend in July 2019, where she calmly accepted a fuss from the future King.
Hera met the then-Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, during South Wales Police’s 50th anniversary in Bridgend in July 2019. Image: South Wales PoliceHera (left) more recently featured on the BBC promoting the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals. Image: South Wales PoliceMore recently, Hera appeared on the BBC to promote the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, which supports service animals once their working days are over.
Now her own working days are done, Hera will stay with Sergeant McElroy in retirement, joining retired police dog Keiko, who is 14.
She will also keep a watchful eye on the team’s newest recruit, PD Ozzy.
Sergeant McElroy said Hera had been “my protector, my colleague and my best friend for nearly a decade.”
“She’s been by my side through everything, so it’s only right that I now stand by her and make sure she enjoys the retirement she truly deserves,” he added.
Hera (front) pictured with two of her four-legged colleagues. Image: South Wales PoliceThe force paid tribute to Hera’s “courage, intelligence and unwavering loyalty,” and wished her a long and happy retirement.
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