The heroic actions of war dog Treo are to be honoured by leading veterinary charity PDSA on 24 February, with the presentation of the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animals’ Victoria Cross – by PDSA Patron, HRH Princess Alexandra, at a special ceremony to be held at the Imperial War Museum, London, H&C has learned.

The PDSA Dickin Medal will be presented to the eight-year-old black Labrador, a Military working dog, for his gallant exploits in Afghanistan in 2008. The medal is the highest award any animal can receive in recognition of conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. It is the first PDSA Dickin Medal to be presented since 2007.

Arms and Explosives Search dog Treo will be accompanied at the ceremony by his handler, Sergeant Dave Heyhoe. They have worked together for five years.

Treo was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in March 2008. His job was to search for weapons and munitions concealed by the Taliban. On 15 August, while working as a forward detection dog in Sangin, he located an improvised explosive device (IED). The ‘daisy chain’ IED (two or more explosives wired together) had been carefully modified and concealed by the Taliban on the side of a path in order to maximise casualties among the numerous soldiers about to pass. A month later, in September 2008, Treo’s actions saved another platoon from guaranteed casualties. This was also due to Treo locating a ‘daisy chain’ IED.

According to the Army, Treo’s actions saved other soldiers and innocent civilians from death and serious injury.

“We look forward to honouring Treo with the PDSA Dickin Medal,” said PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin. “The Medal is recognised throughout the world as the animals’ Victoria Cross and is the highest award any animal can receive for bravery in the line of duty. Treo is, without doubt, a worthy recipient.”

Treo will bring the total number of PDSA Dickin Medals presented to animals in war to 63. Since the introduction of the award by PDSA’s founder Maria Dickin CBE in 1943 it has been awarded to 27 dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.