“Valor in Prosthetic Paws: The Pinnacle of Animal Honor – Bestowing the Highest Animal Honor upon a Heroic Dog with Prosthetic Paws, Who Endured Gunshots to Save Others”

In Afghanistan, a brave military dog was honored with the animal world’s equivalent of the Victoria Cross for its bravery in taking on Al Qaeda fighters.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Mali, a Belgian Malinois British Military Working Dog wearing the PDSA Dickin Medal and his handler Corporal Daniel Hatley pose for a photograph at Queen Mary's University on November 17, 2017 in London, England. Mali received the prestigious Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, after his role in military operations in Afghanistan in 2012. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Kuno, a loyal Belgian Shepherd Malinois who bravely served alongside the British military, sustained serious injuries during an attack. Despite this, he also managed to protect and rescue his fellow soldiers, proving himself to be a true hero.

A French special forces dog called Leuk has been awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal after he saved lives by cornering insurgents during an anti-terrorist operation in Mali. AFP

On Tuesday, this brave and dutiful individual received the PDSA Dickin Medal for his heroic actions during an attack on an Al Qaeda outpost.

Jan McLoughlin, the director general of PDSA, praised Kuno for his heroic actions. She acknowledged that Kuno’s bravery had a significant impact on a crucial mission, resulting in the salvation of many lives. Despite suffering severe and life-altering injuries during the process, Kuno remained steadfast in fulfilling his duties.

Retired military dog Kuno is to receive the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal for valour – the animal Victoria Cross – after he was wounded in action while heroically saving the lives of British Forces fighting Al Qaeda.Retired military dog Kuno is to receive the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal for valour – the animal Victoria Cross – after he was wounded in action while heroically saving the lives of British Forces fighting Al Qaeda.During a dangerous operation in 2019, three-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois Kuno and his handler were deployed in support of specialist UK and host nation forces on a compound raid against a well-armed and aggressive enemy when they came under attack.Pinned down by grenade and machine-gun fire from an insurgent, the assault force was unable to move without taking casualties.Without hesitation, Kuno charged through a hail of gunfire to tackle the gunman, breaking the deadlock and changing the course of the attack, allowing the mission to be completed successfully.During the assault Kuno was wounded by bullets in both back legs. He was given life-saving treatment by his handler and by medics in the back of a helicopter.His injuries were so severe he required several operations before he was stable enough to fly back to the UK. Sadly, part of one of Kuno’s rear paws had to be amputated to prevent life-threatening infection.But now he is thriving after becoming the first UK military working dog to be fitted with custom made prosthetic limbs.Hospital. Picture by Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd Notes to EditorsAt PDSA we believe that every pet deserves to live a happy and healthy life. As the UK’s leading veterinary charity, with 51 Pet Hospitals and over 380 Pet Practices, we strive to improve pets’ lives – through prevention, education and treatment.Every year our dedicated veterinary teams carry out 2.7 million treatments on 470,000 pets. For media enquiries contact the Press Office on 01952 797234, email pr@pdsa.org.

During the May 2019 operation, Kuno and his team of humans managed to survive a barrage of bullets before being trapped by explosions from grenades.

Maria Dickin (1870 - 1951), founder of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) veterinary charity, presents RAF homing pigeon 'Winkie' with the Dickin medal, 19th February 1944. The Dickin medal recognizes the contribution of animals in wartime. Winkie delivered a message that contributed to the rescue of a ditched aircrew in February 1942. (Photo by Harry Todd/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

With bravery that knew no bounds, Kuno fearlessly charged towards the fighter amidst a storm of bullets. This selfless act changed the course of the attack and enabled the mission to be executed successfully. However, Kuno did not emerge from the ordeal unscathed. He sustained bullet wounds in both of his hind legs, and one of his paws had to be amputated. With the help of custom-made prosthetic limbs, Kuno has since recovered and retired from service. In recognition of his heroic actions, Kuno was awarded the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal. Created by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, the medal was established in 1943 with the aim of honoring animals for their courageous deeds.

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