The Indian Army’s assault dog, named Zoom, that was injured during an encounter in Anantnag district, died during treatment at the Military Veterinary Hospital in Srinagar.
The dog that was under treatment at the veterinary hospital died around noon today.
An official said that Zoom showed signs of improving and responding well to the treatment. However, it suddenly started gasping and soon collapsed, the official said.
Earlier, Zoom was operated upon after it received gunshot wounds on the face and rear right leg.
Zoom, the official said, was tasked with clearing the house where militants were hiding during an encounter in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district on October 10.
“The dog went inside the house and attacked the militants. During the operation it was shot twice, resulting in critical injuries,” the official said.
Zoom, a Belgian Shepherd breed, was born in September 2020 and joined the Army’s 28th Army Dog Unit (ADU).
Soon after the incident, messages and wishes poured in for the brave canine. The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps also shared a video introducing Zoom. The video showcases glimpses of the assault dog’s training sessions and his skills.
Zoom’s heroic act, of completing his task of flushing out terrorists despite being seriously injured, earned him respect, with social media flooded with his bravery.
“Some gave few! Few gave all! Salute, you zoom. You fought for us and till the end. May Lord Shiva take you in his arms. See you brother. ‘Few humans want this nation to ruin – Few dogs fight till death for the very same nation’. Both live in the same nation,” Madhan Kumar, an Indian Army veteran, wrote on Twitter.
Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan also tweeted a tribute to Zoom. “Careful. Here is a hero. India Army canine soldier named Zoom was confronting terrorists despite being shot twice in a CT operation in Anantnag,” he said.