Tragic End for South Korea’s Heroic Police Dog, Larry!
Last week, a dedicated German‑shepherd named Larry met an untimely demise during a search mission in North Chungcheong Province — a snake attack took him down on his left hind leg. This incident marks the first time a South Korean police dog has died in the line of duty.
Who Was Larry?
- Age & Breed: 7‑year‑old German Shepherd
- Service Start: 2012
- Major Contributions:
- Assisted in 39 felony cases by scent tracking
- Helped search 170+ missing persons
- Brought a breakthrough in a cold murder case last year by locating a body buried 70 cm underground near a hiking trail
Farewell & Memorial
After his death, Larry’s body was cremated and a small funeral service was held. A photo of the brave dog in front of flowers now reads, “Roam freely in heaven.” The police department has commissioned a bronze plaque honoring Larry’s service, which will be placed at the regional headquarters during a ceremony slated for September.
South Korea’s Dog Dilemma
While Larry’s heroics shine brightly, many of South Korea’s dogs face a grim fate — it’s estimated that around one million are consumed each year as part of the local cuisine.
Remembering Larry is not just about honoring a champion, but also a reminder of the complex attitudes towards dogs in this culture.
