Cottage Grove K9 Sabrina Killed in Late Night Traffic Collision

Cottage Grove experienced a sudden and sorrowful loss on the night of November 21, 2025 when K9 Sabrina, a police dog with the Cottage Grove Police Department, was struck and killed by a vehicle after leaving the department parking lot. According to the department, Sabrina exited the building through an open door at approximately 10:30 p.m. while an officer was leaving. Officers immediately attempted to call her back and began searching the area, but were unable to locate her.

About an hour later, authorities received a report that a dog matching Sabrina's description had been hit by a vehicle on Highway 99 just north of River Road. Responding officers confirmed the dog was Sabrina. The department said no further information was being released at the time.

The department described Sabrina as a “loved member” of both the police force and the Cottage Grove community, noting that she had a “profound impact” on staff during her time with the department. “We are all struggling with this tragedy and grieving the loss of our beloved Sabrina,” the department said in a statement. Those remarks reflect the depth of feeling among officers and residents for a K9 that often bridged law enforcement duties and community outreach.

For local residents, the incident underscores the risks that accompany working animals and the practical need for secure handling protocols at police facilities and along major roads. K9 teams are integral to smaller departments, carrying responsibilities that include patrol work, suspect searches, evidence detection, and public engagement at schools and community events. Losing a single canine partner can leave a department temporarily less capable in those areas, and can also be a significant emotional blow to handlers and the wider community.

Cottage Grove residents have historically responded to such losses with community support for officers and handlers, and with offers of help for memorials and other tributes. The department and community expressed sorrow at the unexpected and sudden loss, and local leaders may consider measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, such as reviewing facility security procedures and reinforcing public awareness about animals near roadways.

The department has not released additional details about the collision or any follow up actions. As investigators and department leaders process the loss, residents are left to reckon with the human and animal cost of public safety work that often goes unseen until tragedy occurs.