Dog that was mascot for troops in Iraq will not be brought to Britain

Sandbag, a dog who became a mascot for British troops serving in Iraq, will remain there after the Government rejected a campaign for him to be brought back to Britain.

Sandbag had been living with military personnel at their base in Um Qasa, near Basra, and was credited with bringing them good luck on patrols. He is rumoured to have survived being shot five times.

However, when the withdrawal of forces was announced there were fears he would be put down by the Iraqis or killed by local dogs. More than 6,000 people signed a petition on the Number 10 website calling for the dog to be given refuge in the UK.



But their hopes were finally dashed when the Government confirmed that Sandbag and his fellow mascot, Hesco the cat, would be staying put.

"The base in Um Qasa where Sandbag and Hesco were living has now been handed over to American forces," the Downing Street response said. "Our US colleagues have assured us that both Sandbag and Hesco will be well cared for. Both are currently fit and healthy.

"As they had lived on the base since birth, British forces felt that staying there would be best for Sandbag and Hesco. Commanders on the grounds always take decisions on the future of mascot animals on a case-by-case basis. The Government supports the decision taken in this case."