Detection dogs and military horse receive ‘animals’ OBE’
Yoyo and Scamp helped authorities discover 40 million illegal cigarettes during their career.
Two detection dogs and a military horse have become the latest animals to receive the PDSA Order of Merit.
The animals are the 53rd, 54th, and 55th recipients of the award, which for the last ten years has recognised animals that have shown outstanding devotion to their owner or wider society. It has been described as the ‘animals’ OBE’.
Spaniels Yoyo and Scamp have received the award for their work discovering illegal tobacco products. Working with Trading Standards, HM Revenue and Customs, and police services across the country for more than a decade, the pair helped find 40 million illegal cigarettes, 18 tonnes of hand-rolling tobacco, and over £5 million in cash.
Yoyo and Scamp are now retired and living in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with their former handler Stuart and his wife and daughter.
Jan McLoughlin, PDSA director general, said: “Yoyo and Scamp’s actions throughout their careers as specialist detection dogs have shown outstanding devotion to duty to wider society, above and beyond normal companionship.
“Their excellent detection skills are remarkable and show the value and richness animals bring to society.”
The dogs were joined in receiving the award by former military horse Lord Firebrand, known as Yogi, who served in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
In his 10-year career he took part in events including the State Opening of Parliament, state visits, and Trooping the Colour. He also led Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.
Yogi retired in December 2023 and now lives with the family of a former officer of the King’s Troop.
Mr McLoughlin added: “Throughout Yogi’s career, he has been the first choice of any parade commander due to his striking appearance and professional conduct. His contribution to the defence and the nation is without question.”
Image © PDSA
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
