Hero police dog stabbed multiple times on duty honoured in station portrait

A police dog which was stabbed multiple times has been honoured in a portrait now hung up in a police station in Aberdeen.

The winning portrait of police dog Zeus is being given pride of place at the Nelson Street police station.

The six-year-old Belgian Malinois became a local hero after sustaining multiple stab wounds while on duty during a serious incident in Aberdeen.

Earlier this year, North East Scotland College (NESCol) welcomed Zeus and his handler, sergeant Paul Wigley, to take part in an exciting initiative to honour his bravery.

Police Dog Zeus became a local hero earlier this year after sustaining multiple stab wounds. Nescol

PD Zeus made a swift recovery and was recognised with the inaugural National Foundation of Retired Service Animals (NFRSA) Bravery Award, presented at Tulliallan Police College in Fife.

NESCol’s art & design department invited students to create a portrait or full-body painting of the courageous canine.

On Friday, the winning portrait by student Agata Sood went on display at the station.

Agata said: “I’m honoured that my portrait of PD Zeus was chosen, especially given the many amazing entries from my fellow students.

“The project has been an inspiring experience and a challenge I enjoyed.

“I aimed to capture Zeus’s strength and loyalty, which I witnessed during Sergeant Wigley’s visit with him. Knowing that my work will be displayed at Nelson Street Police Station is an honour, and I hope it reflects the admiration we all feel for this brave dog.”

Sergeant Wigley said: “It’s such a privilege for Zeus to be honoured in this way. The way the community has responded to his bravery is really touching, and this tribute is the icing on the cake.

“I can’t express how delighted we are at how the students and college have taken Zeus to their hearts, and produced this portrait, which will take pride of place in the station.

“Police dogs play a vital role in our enquiries in a range of areas, from searching for a missing person to detecting drugs, and their assistance is invaluable in helping keep our communities safer.”