In late September 2025, the investigation into the disappearance of Lily and Jack Sullivan entered a critical phase when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police deployed specialized cadaver detection dogs to conduct an extensive ground search across a wide area of rural Nova Scotia.

The siblings, reported missing from their home in Lansdowne Station on May 2, 2025, have remained unaccounted for months after their disappearance. As part of ongoing investigative efforts, RCMP brought in highly trained police dogs capable of detecting the odor of human remains, even in trace amounts and under challenging environmental conditions.

The operation involved Inspector Luke Rettie with police dog Narc, and Sergeant Dave Whalen with police dog Kitt. Together, the teams conducted a methodical search spanning approximately forty kilometers of terrain.

According to RCMP officials, the search area included the family property, nearby pipeline trails, wooded regions, and the location where Lily’s pink blanket had previously been discovered. These locations were identified as high-probability areas based on prior investigative findings.

Cadaver detection dogs are trained to locate the scent of human remains at various stages of decomposition. Their capabilities extend beyond visible evidence, allowing them to detect residual odor even after remains have been moved or disturbed. Because of this, cadaver dog searches are often considered a powerful investigative tool in missing-person cases.

Despite the scale and thoroughness of the operation, neither dog alerted their handler at any point during the search. RCMP officials confirmed that no indications of human remains odor were detected within any of the areas examined.

Investigators emphasized the significance of this outcome. According to police, a lack of alerts suggests that the dogs were not in the presence of human remains scent within the search zones. While this does not resolve the case, it provides important information about what may — or may not — have occurred in those locations.

Law enforcement experts note that negative cadaver dog results can be just as informative as positive ones. By ruling out certain areas, investigators can narrow timelines, reassess movement patterns, and adjust theories about how and where events unfolded.

The forty-kilometer search was described as comprehensive, focusing on what RCMP characterized as the highest probability locations based on available evidence. Officials stated that the operation was carefully planned to maximize coverage and effectiveness.

Environmental factors such as weather, terrain, and time elapsed since the children went missing were considered during the search. Cadaver dogs are trained to work across a range of conditions, including forested areas, open land, and disturbed ground, making them particularly valuable in rural investigations.

RCMP cautioned that the absence of alerts does not mean investigators have reached conclusions about the fate of Lily and Jack. Instead, it means that within the searched areas, there was no detectable human remains odor at the time of the operation.

The findings carry implications for how investigators interpret earlier evidence, including the discovery of Lily’s pink blanket. While the blanket’s location had raised questions, the cadaver dog results suggest that human remains were not present in that area, at least within the detectable parameters.

Officials reiterated that missing-person investigations often involve eliminating possibilities as much as confirming them. Each step, including searches that yield no alerts, contributes to building a clearer picture of the case.

Public interest in the disappearance of Lily and Jack Sullivan has remained intense, with community members closely following every development. RCMP has acknowledged the emotional toll of the prolonged investigation and emphasized its commitment to continuing all reasonable lines of inquiry.

Investigators have not disclosed whether additional cadaver dog deployments are planned or whether the search parameters may expand further. They have stated only that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

As the case approaches the seven-month mark, the cadaver dog operation stands out as one of the most extensive search efforts conducted to date. While it did not provide definitive answers, it offered clarity on where the children likely were not.

For investigators, that clarity is essential. Each eliminated location refines the investigative focus and informs next steps. For the public, the results underscore both the complexity of the case and the careful, methodical approach being taken.

RCMP officials concluded that updates will be shared when appropriate, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of the investigation.

For now, the search for answers continues — guided not only by what is found, but also by what is ruled out.