Tokyo Holds Memorial Service for Police Dogs

A memorial service was held in Tokyo on the 23rd to honor police dogs who played a crucial role in crime investigations and disaster relief.

The memorial service, attended by over 20 people, including investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Forensics Division and their police dogs, took place at an animal cemetery in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward. Attendees offered incense and paid tribute to the achievements of the police dogs laid to rest.

Seven police dogs have been buried at the animal cemetery over the past year. One notable dog, Aristo, was deployed 626 times over seven and a half years. Aristo’s exceptional tracking skills were instrumental in solving a taxi robbery and assault case in Adachi Ward, Tokyo in 2019. The dog successfully tracked bloodstains at the scene, leading investigators to the suspect’s home.

Okabe Masayuki, head of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Forensics Division, expressed his gratitude to the deceased police dogs, saying, “The seven dogs were good friends and partners to us police officers. Today, we mourn the loss of our colleagues with feelings of thank you for everything and thank you for all your hard work. We will continue to do our utmost to maintain public order, on behalf of the seven police dogs.”