Military dog receives posthumous medal
A military working dog that died in Afghanistan has been awarded a medal by the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).
Theo was an arms and explosives search dog for the Army. The brave springer spaniel holds the record for the most operational finds in Afghanistan of any dog - in total, he found 14 hidden weapons and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during his service.
In 2011, Theo's handler Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, was killed by enemy fire and Theo died just hours later from an undiagnosed seizure.
The PDSA's Dickin Medal is the highest award an animal can receive in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty while serving in military conflict.
Sergent Matthew Jones, who served alongside LCpl Tasker and Theo, accepted the posthumous award on Theo's behalf with search dog Grace. The ceremony was held at London's Wellington Barracks, amongst LCpl Tasker's family and colleagues.
Theo's medal recognises that in finding so many weapons, he prevented a number of soldiers and civilians from being killed or wounded.
LCpl Tasker's mother, Jane Duffy, said: "It's like they were a team. One couldn't have worked without the other out there, doing the job they were doing."
Sgt Jones added: "Liam will be massively honoured. He strived to be the best and this is the ultimate testament to him and Theo.
"If he's looking down on us then he'll be smiling."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
