Hero dogs receive bravery awards: Canine OBEs for dogs who helped at scenes of terror attacks

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A police mutt probably wouldn’t know what to do with a medal, unless you covered it in gravy or made it look like a tasty chihuahua.

He or she is much more likely to appreciate an extra few biscuits for dinner – and would probably love you forever.

That is probably what seven dogs from the Met and British Transport Police are tucking into this week.

Seven police dogs who supported the cops and paramedics during the London terror attacks at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Borough Market have been honoured for their heroic actions by vet charity PDSA.

They were awarded the PDSA Order of Merit – the animal equivalent of the OBE – at a ceremony on Tuesday.

The dogs have been chosen to represent the 19 dogs who served during the 2017 attacks. From the Met, they are Kai, Delta and Dave and from the BTP Bruno, Marci, Jax and Bobby.

PDSA vet, Rosamund Ford, said: “The actions of these incredible dogs – and their handlers – was vital in keeping the public safe and allowing the emergency services to carry out their work.

They performed their duties in a highly-charged and unfamiliar environment that no amount of training can fully prepare them for.

PDSA is honoured to recognise their devotion to duty and service to society.”

In the moments following the Westminster Bridge attack, the BTP Explosive Search Dog Section and the Met Police Explosive Detection Dog Team were rushed to the scene to ensure public safety.

BTP Dogs Ollie, Oscar, Bruno and Scooby searched through the chaos for potential devices that could cause further harm on the bridge itself and around Parliament Square.

They were joined at the scene by Met Police Dogs Kai and Bruce and their handlers.

They searched the car that had crashed into the wall of the Palace of Westminster, as a precautionary measure in case it contained a bomb.

Once safe, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services landed in Parliament Square to help injured victims.

At London Bridge BTP General Purpose Dog Teams were called to the scene alongside firearms officers.

Police Dogs Jax, Marci, Johnny, Rocy, Tara and Bobby searched amid a volatile situation for more than 13 hours, virtually non-stop.

Police Dogs Tara, Rocy and Bobby worked tirelessly, never faltering in their duty.

Met Police Dogs Alfie, Dave, Poppy and Robson were also deployed to search the area. Together with the newly qualified Police Dog Kai, they searched a dozen buildings.

Police Dog Delta worked with his handler and a team of firearms officers to search over 30 buildings.

His skills, calibre and professionalism saved vital time.

At Borough Market, the Met Dog Teams joined armed officers to search for a suspect who was still unaccounted for, despite the unknown risk to themselves and their dogs.

Police Dogs Casper and Romeo searched the suspects’ suicide vests for explosives.

Police Dog Casper and his handler later cleared a suspect vehicle under a nearby railway bridge which could have contained a bomb. He was able to show the vehicle was safe, allowing the vehicle to be searched.

The teams worked with the knowledge that potential further danger remained all around them, but put the safety of the public ahead of their own as they continued their searches.

PDSA director general, Jan McLoughlin, said: “The role played by all of the dogs was crucial. They are trained to search in a non-hostile environment.

Yet they worked in unimaginable conditions, remaining calm and responsive.

“Their devotion and service to society was incredible, especially under such distressing circumstances, and we will never forget those who lost their lives in these appalling attacks.

Recognising the actions of these devoted dogs with our prestigious PDSA Order of Merit will be an honour.”

British Transport Police Inspector Paul Miles said: “I am immensely proud of our dogs and their handlers.

It is an honour for them to receive such a prestigious award and they will continue to work day and night to keep London safe.”