Home / Crime and Justice / Hero Dog Leon Retires After 7 Years of Service
Hero Dog Leon Retires After 7 Years of Service
16 Aug
Summary
- Leon, a Belgian Malinois, retired from service on India's 80th Independence Day.
- He helped track rhino poachers for nearly 20 km during 2019 floods.
- Leon also assisted in cracking a high-profile gold theft case in 2025.
Leon, a Belgian Malinois known for his exceptional wildlife tracking skills, officially retired from service on India's 80th Independence Day, August 15, 2026. Assigned to Assam's Forest Department and police, Leon joined field duty in November 2018. He became an integral part of biodiversity conservation group Aaranyak's K9 Sniffer Dog Squad.
His career highlights include assisting personnel to track a rhino poacher for nearly 20 kilometers across challenging terrain during the 2019 floods. Leon underwent extensive training and participated in over 200 patrols and 30 specialized operations, diligently guarding Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
Beyond anti-poaching efforts, Leon demonstrated remarkable versatility. In 2023, he helped apprehend four suspected poachers after a deer carcass was found. His scent-tracking abilities were also crucial in cracking a high-profile gold theft case in Golaghat town in 2025, leading to four arrests. Leon received official honours upon his retirement.
