A military dog was awarded the animal world’s Victoria Cross for bravery in tackling Al Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan.
Kuno, 4, a Belgian Shepherd Malinois who served with the British military, suffered life-changing injuries in the assault but also saved the lives of his human comrades.
He was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal on Tuesday for bravery and devotion to duty during an assault on an Al Qaeda post.
“Kuno is a true hero. His actions that day undoubtedly changed the course of a vital mission, saving multiple lives in the process. And despite serious, life-changing injuries, he performed his duty without faltering,” said PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin.
In the May 2019 mission, Kuno and his human crew had already survived incoming machinegun fire when they were pinned down by grenade blasts.
Kuno charged through a hail of gunfire to tackle the fighter, changing the course of the attack, and allowing the mission to be completed successfully.
Kuno was wounded by bullets in both back legs and needed a rear paw to be amputated. He now has custom-made prosthetic limbs and has retired from service.
The PDSA Dickin Medal was introduced by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943, who wanted animals to be recognised for their heroic actions.
