Heathrow border force sniffer dog Tyke collected his animal of the year award at the Animal Action Awards ceremony, last night (21).
During his canine career, the nine-year-old Labrador, who will retire next year, has become one of the teams most successful detector dogs, sniffing out illegal animal and wildlife products from ivory to reptile skin, protecting the UK border.
Tyke attended the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) awards event at the House of Lords, with his handler Samantha Moss.
Mrs Moss described Tyke, who was rescued from Battersea Dogs Home to work at Heathrow when he was 11-months-old, as "smart," "enthusiastic" and "a dream to work with," adding: "despite getting older he still loves the job but we are gradually getting him used to his upcoming retirement when he will be able to relax at home in comfort with me for the rest of his days.”
Border Force Senior Officer Grant Miller added: “Border Force has for many years recognised the benefit of using detector dogs to assist in securing the UK Border.
"It is a fitting tribute for his (Tyke) years of service that his work is recognised today.”
Elaine Fairfax, managing director and founder of Animal Friends, said: “I am thrilled to be supporting the IFAW Animal of the Year Award and to be recognising Tyke and the important work that Border Force do every day to protect our country and help combat illegal activities."
