Madison PD's Beloved K9 Astra Passes Away After Brave Battle With Cancer

The Madison Police Department is grieving over the loss of K9 Astra.

The department stated that Astra was found to have cancer in November 2024 and passed away on Wednesday following a "determined struggle."

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Lt. Micah Taylor stated in a press release, “Having her as part of both our family and force was truly delightful.” He further added, “When it comes to dedication at work, skills, and determination for drug enforcement operations, she had everything we could ask for.” The lieutenant also expressed their deepest sympathies towards Major Robbie Sanders, her handler, and his entire household.

Taylor mentioned that during her nine-year career, Astra contributed to the confiscation of over $5 million worth of illicit drugs and profits as a drug-sniffing police dog.

Taylor stated, "In 2018, she was acknowledged for overseeing the biggest recorded confiscation of heroin amounting to 33 pounds as well as the largest documented seizure of liquid methamphetamine totaling 150 pounds."

In October 2024, authorities found over 20 pounds of illicit narcotics at the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, concealed within two suitcases.

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