Two army dogs who helped save thousands of lives in Afghanistan are reportedly set to be put down because they can't be re-homed.
The Belgian Shepherds, named Kevin and Dazz, retired from service after spending their time searching for IEDs on several tours of the war-torn country, reports the Mirror.
SAS hero and author Andy McNab has now started a petition calling for the canines to be saved.
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McNab wrote: "Service dogs have saved my life on numerous occasions. We have a duty to save them.
"In Afghanistan when I was on a patrol the dogs found an IED in front of us, I was number three in line, I was very, very lucky to survive.
"They also saved countless lives when I was in the Special Air Service sniffing out explosives."
Other ex-soldiers have written to chiefs at the Defence Animal Centre demanding that nine-year-old Kevin and Dazz be saved from the lethal injection.
Credit: British Army
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The dogs, who helped troops locate explosives in Helmand Province, retired four years ago.
Author McNab added: "Dogs like Kevin, Dazz and Driver are an asset when they are serving but they even more of an asset when they are retired.
"We owe them every chance possible to be housed and not killed."
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told ITV: "Wherever possible, we endeavour to re-home them (dogs) at the end of their service life.
"Sadly, there are some occasions where this is not possible."
In 2015, the Armed Forces put down 58 service dogs in only a year, reports the Mirror.
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Last month, however, another Belgian Shepherd received the 'animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross' for his work in Afghanistan.
Eight-year-old Mail was awarded for sniffing out explosives and Taliban insurgents with the Special Boat Service.
Credit: Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd / PDSA
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The pooch was involved in a mission in 2012 which saw the brave canine injured in three grenade blasts.
Mali was injured in his chest and legs and lost a tooth and part of his ear during combat.
Her handler, whose identity has been protected for security reasons, has also been awarded a medal for his gallantry.
The PDSA Dickin award is the highest animal award for military service and Mali is the only living dog to receive it for seven years.
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A citation said: "Mali displayed outstanding courage in the face of fire and there is no doubt that his actions throughout the operation were pivotal in the success of breaking an enemy stronghold, helping to save multiple lives and prevent further injury."
"He also indicated the presence of insurgents numerous times, giving the assault force vital milliseconds to engage the enemy in close quarter combat"
"Despite his injuries, Mali continued his duties and pushed forward, remaining close to his handler."
"The way he conducted himself when it mattered most enabled my colleagues to achieve success in close combat."
Credit: Shaun Fellows / Shine Pix Ltd / PDSA
The award is given by the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) and it's Director General Jan McLoughlin, said: "Mali has displayed a truly awesome ability and determination to seek out explosives and insurgents during a key operation.
"To achieve this while exposed to close combat and such intense enemy attack makes him an incredibly worthy recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal."
Featured Image Credit: British Army