A rat called Magawa was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for his “life-saving” work in Cambodia.

Magawa who is an African Giant Pouched Rat and is just under eight years old, is the first rat to win this medal and was given the award by PDSA’s Director-General.

PDSA was founded in 1917 by animal welfare pioneer Maria Dickin and is one of the UK’s leading veterinary charities.

The PDSA Gold Medal was initiated in 2002 and rewards civilian acts of animal bravery and “devotion to duty”. It is the highest honour recognising extraordinary bravery of animals.

The medal has been awarded to over 30 animals so far. All other recipients are dogs.

Till now, Magawa has discovered over 39 landmines and 28 items of unexploded ordnance to date. 

Source: The Indian Express