Two army service dogs who have saved "hundreds of lives" while on duty in Afghanistan are reportedly being put down.
Kevin, Dazz, and police dog Driver are being put down next week despite “experienced handlers” offering to house them, according to a petition started by Andy McNab, the former SAS sergeant turned novelist.
“Experienced handlers have come forward to say they want to house the much-loved dogs, who have helped save hundreds of lives,” wrote McNab.
“Kevin and Dazz served in Afghanistan where they searched for explosives and Driver worked for the police force.”
McNab praised army dogs for saving his life while in the line of duty in the petition, which has been signed by 18,908 people at the time of writing.
“Service dogs have saved my life on numerous occasions. We have a duty to save them,” he added.
Belgian Shepherd Kevin has provided support for troops carrying out operations in Helmand with the Royal Engineers.
“These dogs do wonderful things and some are trained to be attack dogs and other things and this makes them harder to home,” Allen Parton, founder of Heroes for Hounds, told The Independent.
Heroes for Hounds is a charity that provides specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled members of the UK Armed Forces and the Emergency Services.
Mr Parton was left severely disabled during the first Gulf War but his assistance dog, Endal, changed his life dramatically: improving his speech and relationships with his family.
“I know what dogs can do for your life and it transformed mine. These dogs gives us their all and we’ve encouraged and trained these dogs it’s such a shame,” he said.
“Bottom line is: ‘Is it right to leave them in a kennel in life?’ I don’t know what the solution is.”
An Army spokesman told The Sun: “Wherever possible we endeavour to rehome military working dogs.
“Sadly there are occasions where this is not possible.”
The Independent has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.
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