Manitoba

Winnipeg star K-9 officer Judge dies months after retiring

Winnipeg police are mourning the death of a veteran officer — Judge, a police service dog who retired last spring after a decade of service.

Canine police officer had more than 500 arrests to his credit over decade-long career

Winnipeg police service dog Judge retired in April 2014. The 11-year-old Belgian Malinois was laid to rest on Wednesday, according to police. (CBC)

Winnipeg police are mourning the death of a veteran officer — Judge, a police service dog who retired last spring after a decade of service.

Judge was laid to rest on Wednesday. He was 11 years old.

The Belgian Malinois was born in June 2003 as part of the Winnipeg Police Service's breeding program and raised by his partner, Det.-Sgt. Scott Taylor.

"This legendary team worked the streets for over 10 years, amassing over 500 arrests and making them the most successful K9 team in Winnipeg, if not all of Canada," the police service said in a news release Friday.

During one particular shift in 2009, he and Taylor tracked six suspects in four separate incidents.

Police say Judge fathered 23 offspring that are currently working in North America, as well as grandfathered nine pups that are working for various police agencies.

Judge retired from the police service in April 2014 to enjoy some rest and relaxation with Taylor and his family.