Diesel didn't die in vain - hero Paris siege police dog to receive Animal Victoria Cross

DIESEL the hero French police dog killed in the siege at Saint-Denis is line for the “Animal Victoria Cross”.

IGDiesel will be awarded the Animal Victoria Cross

The brave seven-year-old Belgian Malinois police dog named Diesel died instantly in Saint Denis during the Paris siege when a blonde suicide bomber blew herself up as French counter-terrorist forces stormed the terrorists’ lair.

Diesel was on the frontline to sniff out explosives for the heavily-armed French assault team but stood no chance when the woman refused to surrender and detonated a bomb at the apartment used by IS terror chief Abdelhamid Abaaoud to mastermind last Friday’s Paris outrage.

Another terrorist also died in the pitched gunfight that followed the bomb blast while five members of the police Research, Assistance, Intervention and Deterrence (RAID) unit were also hurt.

Within minutes of the Paris siege against the ISIS terror cell coming to an end, Police Nationale confirmed Diesel’s death.

“Diesel, a seven-year-old Malinois, RAID assault dog, was killed by terrorists in the current operation,” they announced on Twitter.

Officials later praised their highly-trained explosives dogs, describing them as “indispensable” to the elite unit.

Within hours of Diesel’s death being announced, animal lovers were calling for him to be recognised with the PDSA’s famous Dickin Medal.

The Dickin Medal came about in 1943 to recognise the incredible contribution animals were making to the war effort and was instituted by social reformer Maria Dickin, founder of the People’s Dispensary of Sick Animals in 1917.

IG The French hero dog was killed during the Paris siege

Je Suis Chien tributes for hero police dogThu, November 19, 2015
Tributes for hero police dog, Diesel who was killed by a suicide bomber during the Paris siege have taken the Internet by storm. Here are some of the heartwarming tributes for #JeSuisChien.

Four balaclava clad dogs raise the French flag in honour of Diesel the dog

Animals like him provide invaluable assistance to Police across the world and our thoughts are with the force and Diesel’s handler at this time

PDSA vet Vicki Larkham-Jones

Between 1943 and 1949, the bronze metal – bearing the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” – was awarded to 32 messenger pigeons, 18 dogs, three horses and one cat.

Last year it was posthumously awarded to Sasha the Labrador who died with her handler in a Taliban rocket grenade attack. She had successfully located 15 improvised bombs, mortars and mines while serving with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in Afghanistan.

The Dickin Medal is not exclusively for animals attached to the British military.

An Alsatian called Appollo received the award on behalf of the search and rescue dogs used in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and two Labrador guide dogs, Salty and Roselle, who led their owners to safety from the Twin Towers, were also honoured.

The PDSA has not received an official nomination on behalf of Diesel but the charity said the public were already saying his sacrifice should be recognised.


IGDiesel the police dog was killed when a suicide bomber blew herself up

Rex Shutterstock The brave seven-year-old Belgian Malinois died instantly when a suicide bomber blew herself up

PDSA vet Vicki Larkham-Jones, said: “We were extremely shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Diesel. Animals like him provide invaluable assistance to Police across the world and our thoughts are with the force and Diesel’s handler at this time.

“The PDSA Dickin Medal, recognised as the animals’ Victoria Cross, is awarded to animals displaying conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units in the theatre of conflict.

"These awards reflect the role that animals play in times of conflict and acknowledge the contributions made.

“PDSA has received several enquiries and messages from members of the public and the media regarding Diesel’s death.

"No formal nomination has been received for a PDSA animal bravery award at this time, although several people have indicated their support. We always welcome nominations for the PDSA Dickin Medal.”

Express.co.uk