A French police dog named Diesel who died a hero as he led a counter-terror operation after the Paris attacks will be posthumously honored for his bravery.
The 7-year-old Belgian Shepherd was killed during an apartment raid targeting the alleged mastermind of the deadly Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, in the northern Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis in November.
The dog was shot several times after he was sent in to make sure the apartment was safe, according to the U.K.’s leading veterinary charity, People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). The group will award Diesel the Dickin Medal, which is recognized as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross next year.
“Diesel is a truly deserving recipient. His gallant actions helped to protect human life in the face of imminent danger,” PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin said in a statement.
Five police officers were injured during the siege. PDSA said the award is the highest animal honor in the world. Diesel will be the 66th recipient.
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