Hero dog who saved troops fighting al-Qaeda in Afghanistan to receive animal Victoria Cross
A HERO dog is to receive the animal Victoria Cross for saving Brits fighting al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
Kuno and his handler were supporting a Special Boat Service raid on a compound.
When the troops were pinned down by grenade and gunfire, Kuno raced through a door to tackle an insurgent.
He was sprayed with bullets in his back legs, one narrowly missing a main artery.
The May 2019 mission was a success thanks to the three-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois.
He had a paw replaced with a prosthesis. He also has leg braces to help him run and jump.
In all, Kuno took part in 16 operations over five months in his role to detect explosives and incapacitate the enemy.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Without Kuno, the course of this operation could have been very different, and it’s clear he saved the lives of British personnel that day.
“This raid was one of the most significant achievements against al-Qaeda in several years.
“Kuno’s story reminds us not only of the dedicated service of our soldiers and military dogs, but also the great care the armed forces provide to animals that serve with them.”
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Kuno will be awarded the Dickin Medal in November.
It was introduced by PDSA founder Maria Dickin in 1943 and the charity said: “Kuno took on the enemy without fear or hesitation. He is a thoroughly deserving recipient.”
The medal has been given to 71 other animals — 34 dogs, 32 WW2 pigeons, four horses and a cat.
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