Toronto Police Service spending on fallen K9 funeral raises eyebrows

The decision to honour fallen K9 Bingo sparks criticism over spending, forcing animals to serve


Corné van Hoepen
·Contributor, Yahoo News Canada
August 2, 2023·

A lengthy motorcade consisting of Toronto Police Service (TPS) vehicles passed through downtown Toronto on the morning of July 27 as a tribute of honour to their fallen service dog Bingo, who had tragically been killed in the line of duty.

On July 25 at approximately 8:40 p.m., Sgt. Brandon Smith and his K9, Bingo, of Police Dog Services were searching for a reported armed suspect in the vicinity of Kipling Avenue and Dixon Road in Toronto, according to a media release.

Police allege that officers and the suspect had an interaction and Bingo was tragically shot and killed.

The suspect was shot by police and transported to hospital, and currently is in custody.

“As an animal lover, I was very saddened to learn about the passing of Bingo, a Toronto Police K9 dog who was killed in the line of duty while keeping his handler and other officers safe yesterday,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said after news of Bingo's death broke.

K9 Bingo and Sgt. Smith
Toronto police held large procession for fallen K9

A media release shared by TPS alerted the public that the force would be holding a procession as a means of honouring their fallen service member.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw called the service dog's death senseless and tragic while highlighting the critical role K9's play on the police force.

“They provide an additional resource to our members to help keep communities safe, whether it is tracking a suspect, apprehending violent suspects or tracking and locating evidence, some of which is incredibly dangerous,” Demkiew said in a statement.

Bingo was known as a high-energy dog who bonded well with his partner in the short time they were together, said Staff Sergeant Eric Hembruff in a statement. “He has had a few successes in his seven months and was very good at his job. He made the ultimate sacrifice, taking a bullet that might have been meant for one of our officers.”

“It was unnecessary and absolutely heartbreaking for the handler and the entire Service,” added Superintendent Colin Greenaway, the Police Dog Services Unit Commander.

The procession, made up of Police Dog Services, the Emergency Task Force and and the Motor Squad departed from the Emergency Veterinary Clinic and proceeded to Guelph University for end of life veterinary services.

Video captured of the procession shows a long line of Toronto Police Service vehicles with amber lights flashing proceeding through downtown Toronto.

Procession held in honour of Toronto Police Service K9 Bingo, tragically killed in the line of duty

On July 27, Toronto Police Service held a procession for police dog, Bingo, who was killed in the line-of-duty. Credit: Toronto Police Service

A heart-rending video posted from outside the Toronto police headquarters showed the moment Bingo's lifeless body was carried out of the detachment on a tiny stretcher.

While the public outpouring of support for Toronto Police Service and the loss of their service dog was evident, advocacy groups were quick to point out the significant cost coming from taxpayer's pockets for the fallen K9.