Hero Mexican Rescue Dog Dies After Flying 6,000 Miles To Turkey To Look For Quake Survivors

A heroic rescue dog has died while looking for survivors following the earthquake in Turkey.

The brave dog, called Proteo, from Mexico, died while searching the rubble for survivors after travelling to Turkey and taking part in rescue efforts, according to local media.

Newsflash obtained a statement from the Mexican Ministry of Defence (Secretaria de Defensa Nacional; SEDENA) on Sunday, 12th February, saying: “Thank you Proteo for your heroic work, you fulfilled the Mexican Army’s mission.”

Picture shows the dog Proteo who died in Turkey, undated. The animal was a rescue dog. (@sedenamx/Newsflash)

The Mexican MoD also said: “The members of the Mexican Army and Air Force deeply regret the loss of our great companion, the dog ‘Proteo’, you fulfilled your mission as a member of the Mexican Delegation in the search and rescue of our brothers in Turkey.”

The Mexican MoD added: “We are proud of you.”

One of the soldiers taking part in the rescue operations in Turkey reportedly said: “I want to tell you that I am proud of you, because you have always been a strong dog, a dog worker who never gave up.”

Netizens have praised Proteo for his efforts, but some demanded more details about the circumstances of the brave rescue dog’s passing. So far, the Mexican MoD had not elaborated on how the dog died, with Mexican media reporting that it was while it was searching the rubble for survivors.

Picture shows the Secretary of National Defense note about the dog Proteo who died in Turkey, undated. The animal was a rescue dog. (@SEDENAmx/Newsflash)

Emergency workers are battling against the clock to save people from the rubble, with the international community sending in numerous experts to assist.

Turkey’s disaster management agency (AFAD) has said that 31,643 people are dead and over 80,000 injured in the country.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck early on Monday morning in southern Turkey, devastating the south of the country and northern Syria.

A second earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hit the same region again at 11:24am local time on Monday, causing even more damage.

Picture shows the dog Proteo who died in Turkey, undated. The animal was a rescue dog. (@sedenamx/Newsflash)
Picture shows the dog Proteo who died in Turkey, undated. The animal was a rescue dog. (@sedenamx/Newsflash)

To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Joseph GolderSub-EditorMarija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.

GET THE NEW STORIE ON TIME!!!!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Signup to our Newsletter