A hero Scots police dog who had a chunk of his ear ripped out by a vicious thug and had to get a titanium took fitted has retired.
PD Remo was honoured for his bravery, along with his handler PC Paul O'Donnell in 2020 by Nicola Sturgeon, when the pair were hit in the face by brute Jamie O'Neill with a metal bar.
PC O’Donnell and Remo were on duty in Ayrshire when they traced O’Neill, who turned aggressive.
After being struck and despite significant injuries, officer and dog were able to restrain O’Neill until reinforcements came.
Now aged 7, the Belgian Malinois cross, is taking well-deserved retirement following his remarkable service with Police Scotland.
The Scottish Police Dog Memorial said: " #PDRemo from @polscotdogs has worked his final shift.
"He is retiring to his handler after serving for 7 years. He was a General Purpose Dog and a Firearms Support Dog.
"He earned many awards in his time and we thank him for his service."
Thug O’Neill had been fleeing after assaulting his former partner and throwing a brick through a window when he was caught by Remo in Kilwinning.
His violent attack which left PC O'Donnell needing hospital treatment while Remo had to undergo root canal surgery and eventually needed a £4000 titanium implant.
The brave hound also had stitches to patch up the ear that O'Neill ripped a chunk out with his teeth.
O’Neill, 35, was jailed for two years at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court in July 2019 with another year’s supervision after his release.
PC O'Donnell said at the time of award that he knew Remo "always had his back".
“All I could I see was the blood pouring out of Remo’s ear," he said.
“At first, I didn’t know I had been hit in the face with the bar.
“A traffic cop that was following me told me to put my hand to my face and there was blood pouring down my face.
“Because of the adrenaline and worrying about Remo, I just didn’t realise.
“My main concern was to get Remo to the vet in East Kilbride. It was only when we were halfway there that my concussion set in.”
He added: “It’s not the kind of incident you expect to come across on a Tuesday afternoon but you never really know what you’re going to come up against.”
Paying tribute to his four-legged comrade, PC O’Donnell said: “He’s a great dog.
“Say if we go to meet someone, he’ll be lying on his back getting his belly rubbed. He’s the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet.
“But what people forget is that when he goes into work mode, he’s an absolute machine.
“To me, he’s perfect. He’s a great dog to have about and I obviously know he has my back.”
