The “remarkable” actions of Metropolitan police horses during the 2011 London riots have been rewarded.
The horses were recognised by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA’s) earlier this month (17 June).
The veterinary charity’s patron, Princess Alexandra presented the inaugural PDSA Order of Merit to 10 horses and one dog.
The awards have been called the animals’ OBE (Order of the British Empire).
The horses faced burning buildings, falling debris and missiles during the riots.
Bricks were hurled into their chests and hindquarters, but the charity says they stood their ground helping to restore order to the streets.
Met Police horses, Boris and Laurel (pictured above) went through dense smoke to lead others to safety.
PDSA director general, Jan McLoughlin said: “The extreme situations these animals faced exceeded anything they had experienced before.”
For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk/heroanimals
