Army’s heroic dog Kent honoured with President's Gallantry Award for sacrifice in Jammu

New Delhi: Kent, a Golden Labrador of the Indian Army's dog squad which lost its life during an operation to drive out terrorists, was awarded with the President's Gallantry Award posthumously. Kent's courageous actions and ultimate sacrifice have been recognised with this prestigious honor, celebrating its exceptional bravery and dedication.

Last September, Kent lost his life during an operation with the Army to flush out terrorists in Jammu. It was Kent that guided the Army to the terrorist camp in Rajouri. Undaunted, Kent marched forward even as the terrorists opened fire.

Kent was shot while trying to save its handler, a soldier, from being attacked by terrorists. Kent died a heroic death on the battlefield. The Army bade adieu to Kent by draping it with the tricolor flag and presenting it with a wreath.

Two terrorists and one soldier were killed in the operation. Three security personnel, two soldiers and a policeman were injured in the encounter. 

General Upendra Dwivedi, then Northern Army Commander and current Army Chief, said of Kent that 'she first moved forward and attacked the terrorists'.

Kent was a special tracker dog with Amy number 08B8. Kent first participated in the operation at Poonch on 14 November 2022. Kent has participated in nine counter-terrorism missions with the Army. Kent won the hearts of the soldiers with his extraordinary bravery and was admired by the Army chiefs as well.

Mansi, a four-year-old Labrador, was the first dog to be selected for the posthumous honour In 2015, Mansi and his handler Basheer Ahmed were killed while thwarting a terrorist infiltration attempt in North Kashmir.