Skip to main content
Tuesday, November 10, 2026Nov 10

Chattanooga police K9 to be euthanized due to injuries

Staff photo by Abby White / A Chattanooga Police Department vehicle is pictured Aug. 29, 2024. The department announced K9 Diesel will be humanely euthanized after suffering serious injuries in the line of duty Sept. 15, 2025.
Staff photo by Abby White / A Chattanooga Police Department vehicle is pictured Aug. 29, 2024. The department announced K9 Diesel will be humanely euthanized after suffering serious injuries in the line of duty Sept. 15, 2025. Staff photo by Abby White / A Chattanooga Police Department vehicle is pictured Aug. 29, 2024. The department announced K9 Diesel will be humanely euthanized after suffering serious injuries in the line of duty Sept. 15, 2025.

K9 Diesel will be humanely euthanized at Animal Hospital of Signal Mountain after being seriously injured in the line of duty, according to a press release from the Chattanooga Police Department.

After the injury Monday, a tactical paramedic with K9 training stabilized Diesel and took him to Veterinary Care and Specialty Group for emergency surgery. It was determined that his injuries would leave him with a severely diminished quality of life, and after consultations with veterinary teams, the decision was made to humanely euthanize him, the press release said.

Diesel is 3 years old and has served the Chattanooga Police Department since April 2024. He was a trusted partner, a valued member of the K9 Unit and played a significant role in the department, according to the press release

Out of respect for Diesel, his handler and the department, the euthanasia process will be private.

— Compiled by Jody Park