 In 1945, after Horrie came to public attention following the publishing of a book by Ion Idriess about Horrie's exploits, Moody was ordered by quarantine officials to surrender Horrie to be put down.It remains uncertain as to whether this occurred.It is believed that the dog was destroyed on 12 March 1945, although according to author Anthony Hill, in his book "Animal Heroes" it was claimed that Horrie survived after Moody substituted him with another dog from the pound, who was destroyed in Horrie's place, and that Horrie lived out his natural life near Corryong, in rural Victoria.