Rotorua Daily Post

Earthquake search dog Diesel dies

- Kurt Bayer

A legendary search and rescue dog that helped find people after the Christchur­ch earthquake has died.

Tributes are flowing for Diesel, a 13-year-old springer spaniel renowned around the world for his dogged postdisast­er search efforts.

Diesel worked for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and was part of the UK’S Internatio­nal Search and Rescue Team (ISAR).

He left his home at Torphins in Aberdeensh­ire to fly to New Zealand after a violent magnitude-6.3 earthquake struck Christchur­ch on February 22, 2011, leaving 185 people dead.

Four years later he helped to find people buried under rubble in the Nepali earthquake which killed almost 9000.

Diesel was named Animal of the Year in 2019 by the Internatio­nal Fund for Animal Welfare for his life-saving work, while having also been recognised for his contributi­on to both the SFRS and the UK ISAR team.

But now, a statement posted on social media has revealed Diesel’s death.

“Unfortunat­ely, we have to announce that Diesel’s collar was removed for the last time today,” the SFRS’ post on Twitter said.

“He is at peace now but his memory will live on from what he has done for SFRS & UK ISAR. Stand down Diesel boy your work is done. Sleep well.”

His death has prompted a flurry of tributes online.

After Diesel’s 2019 commendati­on, his handler, Gary Carroll, said it was a proud moment.

 ?? Photo / Supplied ?? Diesel was named Animal of the Year in 2019.
Photo / Supplied Diesel was named Animal of the Year in 2019.

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