Kaz: South Dakota Highway Patrol Dog *
How many faithful dogs served their masters well in South Dakota can never be known. What is known, is that throughout the years many people in South Dakota have relied on dogs to assist in everyday life and to provide companionship.
While dogs continue to serve in many of their traditional functions, dogs have also taken on new and unique tasks that enhance the lives of their owners and the community. Therapy, medical assistance, and search and rescue are only a few of the many services dogs provide to the people of South Dakota.
Today, dogs contribute more to the welfare of individuals and society than perhaps any other time in the history of the human-dog bond. Additionally, over the past three decades, increased awareness of the importance of humane care and control of dogs, the enactment and enforcement of leash laws, and dog bite prevention education, have all been instrumental in drastically lowering the number of reported dog-related injuries nationwide.
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*Drug Dog Laid to Rest
PIERRE – On April 28, 2006, South Dakota Highway Patrol said good-bye to one of its most accomplished police service dogs. Kaz, a Belgian Malinois, was put to sleep because of failing kidneys.
Kaz holds the state record for the largest canine drug seizure. In March of 2004, during a traffic stop near Sioux Falls, Kaz discovered nearly 700 lbs. of marijuana.
Kaz was a dual purpose dog. He worked both to find drugs, and to find missing people. Kaz was particularly active in the Plankinton area when the Department of Corrections State Training School was still active. He tracked inmates who attempted to escape.
The Sioux Falls marijuana seizure was a fitting climax to a distinguished career. Kaz retired from duty with the South Dakota Highway Patrol later in 2004. He had been in service since 1996.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol currently has a dozen police service dog teams statewide. They are located in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Philip, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Vermillion, and Watertown. Rapid City and Sioux Falls both have two teams apiece.
National Canine Research Council