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French Navy Commando dog receives posthumous PDSA Dickin Medal
Leuk (pictured) is the first French Military Working Dog to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal.

Hero dog was nicknamed Lucky Leuk for his extraordinary abilities.

PDSA has posthumously awarded a French Navy Commando dog with the highest honour available for animals – the PDSA Dickin Medal – for his incredible bravery and life-saving actions.

The Belgian malinois, named Leuk, was honoured at a private ceremony in Brittany where a monument commemorating all dogs who have died serving with the French Navy was also unveiled.

After joining the K9 division of the French Special Forces Commando Kieffer unit in July 2015, Leuk began working as a French Navy Commando attack and explosive detection Military Working Dog.

Leuk was an exceptionally skilled animal, trained in a wide range of insertion and extraction techniques. On a two-day mission in Mali in April 2019, he flushed out multiple armed insurgents, running through flames and gunfire to intercept and distract enemies therefore allowing his team to move in a neutralise the threat.

The operation was completed with no loss of life on the team.

In May 2019 Leuk was killed by an enemy whose position he had single-handedly exposed. When he was repatriated, his body was covered with the French flag and his team formed a guard of honour as a symbol of respect and gratitude for his life-saving actions.

PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin presented the medal virtually. She said: “Leuk’s actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his unit on multiple occasions. He pushed through flames and bullets to succeed, fearlessly exposing and taking down enemy insurgents; he truly is a worthy recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.”

Commander Nicolas, commanding officer of Commando Kieffer, commented: “It is a great pride for all of us to see Leuk honoured in this way with the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal. His story helps to demonstrate just how important animals are to our armed forces, and the key roles that they play.”

Leuk is the 73rd recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal, and the first French Military Working Dog to receive the honour. To read more about his incredible story, please click here.

Images (c) PDSA.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.