Hero dog with prosthetic paws that took out Al-Qaeda gunman awarded highest animal honor
“Kuno is a true hero!”: Badass dog that served in Afghanistan has been awarded the highest honor an animal can receive.
- Heroic dog, who served with the British special forces in Afganistan, has been awarded the Dickin Medal.
- While attacking an Al-Quaeda gunman, the military canine was severely injured in his back legs.
- He became the first UK military working dog with custom-made prosthetic paws.
Belgian Malinois, Kuno, had suffered life-threatening injuries while serving with the British special forces fighting Al-Qaeda. The heroic dog has now been awarded the Dickin Medal. As People reveals, this is the highest award any animal can receive within the British military. It is the animal equivalent of winning the Victoria Cross – the most prestigious recognition of the UK’s armed forces.
Back in 2019, during an operation in Afganistan, the courageous pooch helped soldiers break a deadlock and complete their mission during a compound raid.
Kuno, who has proved beyond all doubt that dogs are worthy of respect, was given the special award by People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Jan McLoughlin from the PDSA veterinary charity said:
“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.”
The brave military dog helped British troops to attack a well-armed Al-Qaeda compound.
During the assault, as soldiers were fighting off grenades and machine-gun fire from an enemy insurgent, Kuno was the only one who could break the deadlock. Without any hesitation, the heroic canine, who had already disabled one insurgent and discovered a stash of hidden explosives during the raid, sprinted through the incoming gunfire and tackled the gunman.
In his statement, McLoughlin added:
“For this bravery and devotion to duty, we are honored to welcome him as the latest recipient of the PDSA Dickin.”
The fearless four-legged soldier was shot twice by the Al-Quaeda fighter. Despite his wounds, Kuno threw himself at the gunman, biting his arm and wrestling him to the ground. Unfortunately, the bullets seriously damaged the pooch’s back legs.
Thankfully, medics were quick to give the courageous military dog a life-saving field treatment. Before returning to the UK, Kuno had to go through several major surgeries, including amputation of part of one of his rear paws, preventing a life-threatening infection.
After his full recovery, Kuno has become the first UK Military Working Dog to be fitted with custom-made prosthetic paws.
Professor Dick White, animal surgery specialist who worked with Kuno throughout his recovery process, said:
“He showed tremendous determination and a will not just to live but to start walking again.”
Additionally, in the statement about the hero dog’s honorable award, British defense secretary Ben Wallace said:
“I am very proud of the role our military working dogs play on operations at home and abroad. Kuno’s story reminds us of the lengths these animals go to keep us all safe.”