Tributes paid to popular Wiltshire Police dog following his death
Tyke served for six years with the force
Last updated 8th Nov 2022
One of Wiltshire Police’s most popular police dogs has sadly died – three years after retiring from the force.
Tyke affectionally known as 'Big T' passed away yesterday (7th November) age 11.
Tyke gained his licence back in 2013 and worked alongside his handler PC Cindy Hargreave for six years before retiring in 2019. Since then, he has lived with PC Hargreave at home enjoying a slower pace of life.
Supported with vet bills by WAGs Retired Police Dog Charity, Tyke has required medication over the past three years to enable him to live comfortably and happy.
His bond with his handler PC Hargreave is one that is unmatched, and she once described him as her life saver after he protected her from a man throwing a petrol barrel towards her during an illegal rave in Swindon.
“Tyke is my world – I have had dogs since I was one, but I will never ever have a dog like this again,” said PC Hargreave.
“Tyke was the best team mate and partner I could ever have wished for.”
Dog trainer Ian Partington said:
“Tyke served for Wiltshire Police for six years and he was a brilliant police dog – you can put dogs through their training but you never really know how they will perform until they are out and about with their handler, responding to 999 calls or attending public order incidents. PC Hargreave and Tyke were a great team both during his working years, and through his retirement and I know just how devastated she will be.”