288 military dogs put down in three years

The figures emerged after it was revealed that two guard dogs used to protect the Duke of Cambridge were euthanised within days of him leaving his military base.

According to The Sun, 288 dogs were put down by the MoD from January 2010 to June this year.

Among those humanely killed, 81 were because of age, 61 due to osteoarthritis and 33 were related to dangerous temperament.

An MoD spokesman said: “Our animals play an invaluable role on military operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere and are much loved by the troops.

“Most animals are re-homed. Regrettably, due to the challenging nature of their work, some of our dogs get injured or contract illnesses and need to be put down.”

The Sun reported that Bruce, a Belgian Shepherd, and Blade, a German Shepherd, were put down after William completed his final shift as a search and rescue pilot at RAF Valley on Anglesey.

In a further statement, the MoD added: “The vast majority of dogs put down over the past three years was based on a veterinary diagnosis which concluded that the animal’s condition impeded their quality of life.”