PDSA Gold Medal for explosives search dog

A 10-year-old Spanish Civil Guard dog has been awarded the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Gold Medal for civilian animal bravery.

The award, which is the animal equivalent of the UK's George Cross, was given to an explosives search dog named Ajax.

Since detecting a hidden ETA bomb in Majorca back in 2009, Ajax has been credited with saving many lives – heroism that has now been recognised with what is largely regarded as the highest honour for civilian animal bravery.

Ajax was given the PDSA Gold Medal in the presence of his handler of nine years, Sergeant Juan Carlos Alabarces Muñoz, at an awards ceremony held in Madrid.

"The bomb had been planted with the sole intention of killing more Civil Guard personnel," Sgt Muñoz said.

"If Ajax had touched any part of the bomb, he would have activated its motion sensor and been killed along with myself and everyone else within range of the bomb."

Following Ajax's discovery, further attacks were suspected and the pair were assigned to search for more bombs. In just a short while, Ajax had located another concealed bomb, this time attached to the underside of a vehicle.

"The bomb was planted specifically to kill or injure those rescuing the casualties from the first explosion," Sgt Muñoz explained.

"The targeted vehicle was parked on a public road, close to several hotels. If Ajax had not found the bomb in time, the outcome would have been tragic."

Image courtesy of PDSA