Meg The Customs Dog First Ever Animal To Win DSPCA Medal
A customs dog called Meg, who is based at Dublin Port, has become the first ever animal to win the DSPCA's Silver Medal.
She has been given the award at Dublin Castle in recognition of her helping find dozens of puppies who were hidden in the boot of a car at Dublin Port at the start of January.
The puppies "are doing well", according to the DSPCA, which said that unfortunately one of the pups - who had been placed on a drip - had died after becoming too weak. 17 of the litter will be placed for adoption at the DSPCA's headquarters shortly.
Today is International Customs Day, and to mark it the Silver Medal was given to Meg and her handler at Dublin Castle. The award has been given out since the 1840s when the DSPCA was first founded.
"It's quite a big deal for us, as this is the first time it's been presented to an animal and her handler", said Brian Gillen, Chief Executive of the charity.
"It's also great to recognise the work that Customs and Gardai and indeed the Coastguard doggies do every day in looking after we the public".
The award, in recent years, has been presented to members of the Gardai or members of the fire service. Back before 1916 it was presented to members of the RIC.
We asked Brian how Meg reacted when she was given her award. "Meg was quite surprised and delighted when she was presented with the medal, and indicated to it... She was sniffing it a lot when it was given to her".