Puppy stabbed by burglar wins bravery award

A puppy who scared off a knife-wielding burglar, despite being repeatedly stabbed, has been given a medal for heroism. Toby the labrador is a ‘playful companion who wouldn’t harm a fly’, according to his owners Jonathan and Samantha Morton, of Lower East Avenue, Barnoldswick. But when an intruder broke into their home, in the early hours, Toby snapped and chased away the burglar.

During the incident, the eight-month-old pup was stabbed in the chest and legs by the burglar, with one blow puncturing a lung. But despite his injuries, Toby held his ground. When Jonathan arrived downstairs, a still-bloody Toby had his paws on the back fence, barking as the would-be thief fled into the night.

Toby collapsed immediately after the confrontation and needed emergency surgery. He was left to recuperate at a veterinary hospital for just under a week before being allowed home Jonathan said: “We are just happy to have Toby. Normally he would not harm a fly and he is great with children.



Following the botched burglary, which happened when the couple were staying in Leconsfield Barracks, near Beverley, North York-shire, the intruder later returned and tried to steal a neighbour’s car. He was detained by Jonathan, after a struggle, until police arrived to arrest him.

Later the man was jailed for three-and-a-half years after being convicted of aggravated burglary at the Morton’s home in June 2007.

Police were so impressed by the dog’s bravery they later nominated Toby for the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals’ gold award, which he and the Mortons collected in a ceremony in Blackpool yesterday.

With news video.