Cyr

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN

The German Shepherd, serving in the canine unit of the Saskatoon Police Service, was shot to death during an armed standoff in May 2001. He was the first police dog in the city to be killed in action. The case has sparked a national campaign to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to include serious penalties for offences against police service animals.

Cyr’s death also spurred an anonymous businessman to donate more than $10,000 to buy bullet-proof vests for the city’s police dogs. As well, a park in Saskatoon has been named after Cyr. Constable Steve Kaye, the dog’s handler, accepted the award on behalf of his fallen friend.