SOUTHAVEN – The Southaven Police Department is mourning the loss of a retired police service dog.
The department said Ziggy, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois, died Saturday, May 16, while with his former handler and family.
Ziggy served the Southaven Police Department as a patrol and explosive detection K-9 from 2018 to 2024. Before joining the department, he served as a military working dog with the Army Ranger Battalion.
Police said Ziggy was known for his speed, strength and work apprehending numerous suspects. He also assisted surrounding agencies with explosive sweeps in DeSoto County when needed.
One of Ziggy’s most notable cases happened Aug. 7, 2020, when police said he helped track three armed suspects who fled on foot from a stolen vehicle. The suspects also were accused in several auto burglaries at a Southaven apartment complex. Within an hour, Ziggy tracked all three suspects and apprehended two of them. The third suspect surrendered without incident.
After retiring, Ziggy spent the rest of his life at home with his former handler and family.
The Southaven Police Department said Ziggy was loved by many in the department and left a lasting impact.
