Mine-sniffing dog Patron honored by Ukrainian Pres. Zelenskyy
May 9, 2022, 1:34 PM | Updated: Jun 22, 2022, 2:25 pm
(Ukrainian State Emergency Services/Facebook)
(Ukrainian State Emergency Services/Facebook)
A 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier that has located over 200 explosive devices in Ukraine was recognized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday.
Zelenskyy presented the dog, Patron, with a medal during a ceremony with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Today I want to award those Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines,” Zelenksyy said during the meeting. “And together with our heroes – a wonderful little sapper Patron who helps not only to neutralize explosives but also to teach our children the necessary safety rules in areas where there is a mine threat.”
The ceremony honored Ukrainian rescuers who took part in the demining of suburbs near Kyiv, using, in particular, Canadian equipment.
“The Russian occupiers left thousands of mines, thousands of tripwire mines and shells. They are a threat to our people, our children,” Zelenksyy said.
Patron the dog has received an official award alongside his colleagues from Ukraine President Zelenskyy, in the presence of Canada PM @JustinTrudeau. What an honour! pic.twitter.com/uig8VFi5z4
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) May 9, 2022
Patron was taught to identify the smell of gunpowder, his owner told TODAY Parents.
When Patron smells gunpowder, he immediately gives a signal to his owner who works with Patron to find and, with the help of his human colleagues, defuse them.
— Patron_dsns (@PatronDsns) May 2, 2022
Zelenskyy’s office said Patron is also helping educate children about mine safety.
“Children love him especially, and thanks to Patron they perceive information better,” officials said.
According to NPR, dogs have a long history of locating land mines, unexploded bombs and improvised devices during conflicts around the world, thanks to their keen sense of smell.
According to DailyPaws.com, the powerful nose, small size and high intelligence of Jack Russell terriers make Patron a prime candidate for the job.
🐶Dog Patron that works for Ukraine's State Emergency Service in #Chernihiv, has helped neutralize almost 90 #Russian explosive devices since the beginning of #Russia's war against #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine#StopRussianAgression #StopPutin pic.twitter.com/KGmkbZ3W6j
— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) March 19, 2022
