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Heroic military dog awarded Dickin Medal
Dickin medal
Mali with his current handler Cpl Daniel Hatley.

Mali helped to secure a key enemy stronghold in Afghanistan

A working British Army dog who helped to save the lives of troops in Afghanistan has received the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal - the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Eight-year-old Mali received the honour for his bravery during a highly sensitive military operation in 2012. During the operation, he was seriously injured by three grenade blasts, but still managed to help an assault force secure a key enemy stronghold.

Veterinary charity PDSA presented the medal on Friday, 17 November - exactly 100 years since the charity was founded. Held at The People’s Palace, London, the presentation ceremony was attended by Mali and his now handler, Corporal Daniel Hatley.

PDSA general director Jan McLoughlin praised Mali for his ‘awesome ability and determination’ and declared him ‘an incredibly worthy recipient’ of the medal.

Mali, who is attached to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), is trained to sniff out explosives and detect insurgents. His expertise during one particular operation was vital in helping the UK forces and its allies secure a key enemy stronghold amid the sustained fire.

Despite sustaining serious injuries during the operation, Mali continued his duties and remained close to his handler at all times. He played a vital role in breaking the stalemate that had begun to develop in the operation, giving the host nation and UK forces the motivation they needed to continue to fight to bring about a successful resolution.

Commenting on Mali’s honour, Cpl Daniel Hatley said: “I am extremely proud of Mali. The way he conducted himself when it mattered most enabled my colleagues to achieve success in close combat. Being awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal recognises Mali’s vital role within the force that day.”

The PDSA Dickin Medal was introduced by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943. It is the highest award any animal can achieve while serving in military conflict. Mali’s PDSA Dickin Medal is particularly unique because it bears a commemorative ‘Centenary’ bar, to mark its presentation on the charity’s 100th birthday.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.