Their dogged bravery deserves recognition

The decision of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to honour their canine soldiers with medals is very welcome. There is no doubt that the old axiom that dogs are man’s best friends has been vindicated countless times, but canine soldiers remain largely forgotten when it comes to official honours.

The role of animals in military operations is long and hoary, so it is about time more armed forces show them some appreciation.

The UK, for instance, has the Dickin Medal that was instituted in 1943 by Maria Dickin to honour animals who displayed “conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units” but is still awarded today.

Many dogs, mules, horses, pigeons and even cats have received this honour, the most recent of whom is Lucca, a US Marine Corps German Shepherd dog, a veteran of 400 missions, who lost a leg sniffing out bombs in Afghanistan.

This year, the American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage was instituted as the highest honour for military dogs that have displayed extraordinary valour and service to America.

Indian canines are in the thick of military action and it is only befitting that there should be medals to commend their bravery as much as their human regimental comrades. Hopefully, others will follow ITBP’s lead.