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Military hero dog receives top medal for charging al Qaeda fighter

John Dunne
Updated ·1 min read

Watch: Medal for hero military dog Kuno who tackled al Qaeda gunman

A military dog who charged  al Qaeda gunmen attacking British troops has received the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Kuno, a Belgian Shepherd, had one of his rear paws amputated after he suffered bullet wounds to both back legs during a compound raid in Afghanistan in 2019.

As the British troops came under enemy fire, the dog ran towards one the gunmen, drawing fire and allowing the defending troops to take the advantage.

<p>Kuno, a Belgian Shepherd, had one of his rear paws amputated after he suffered bullet wounds </p> (PA)

Kuno, a Belgian Shepherd, had one of his rear paws amputated after he suffered bullet wounds

(PA)

The four-year-old received the Dickin Medal from vet charity the PDSA during a virtual presentation ceremony.

Kuno, who is now retired, received emergency treatment from his handler and medics in the back of their helicopter before being flown back to the UK for specialist treatment after the attack last year.

He underwent several operations before becoming the first UK military dog to be fitted with a custom-made prosthetic limb.

PDSA director General Jan McLoughlin 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."

<p>A military working dog handler with Kuno, a four-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois and military working dog, at Woolwich Barracks in London, with his PDSA Dickin Medal for valour, the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict</p>PA

A military working dog handler with Kuno, a four-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois and military working dog, at Woolwich Barracks in London, with his PDSA Dickin Medal for valour, the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict

PA

After a lengthy programme of rehabilitation, including sessions on a hydrotherapy treadmill, he has been rehomed.

Kuno is the 72nd recipient of the prestigious honour - joining a line-up of brave dogs, horses, pigeons and a cat.

The Dickin award was instituted in 1943 by Maria Dickin in recognition of the work done by animals in World War II.

Watch: This helmet is designed to be worn by police and military dogs