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Posted: 2020-09-25T18:21:26Z | Updated: 2020-09-25T18:21:26Z

Rats are often stereotyped as furry vermin who invade houses, spread disease and pilfer cheese. But not Magawa. This 5-year-old African giant pouched rat has been trained to sniff out landmines in Cambodia, and he was just awarded a prestigious medal for his life-saving efforts.

On Friday, Magawa received a PDSA Gold Medal from the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals, the United Kingdoms leading veterinary charity. The PDSA typically awards the gold medal to dogs and occasionally other animals for outstanding acts of devotion or valor in civilian life. Magawa is the only rat to have been granted the honor.

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Watch his incredible story.\n\nPDSA runs the world's most distinguished and respected Animal Awards Programme.\n\nThrough these awards we recognise acts of extraordinary animal bravery or exceptional devotion to duty by awarding three globally-recognised medals and a commendation for devotion, learn more here: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme\n\n--\n\nThe Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) is the UKs leading veterinary charity.\n\nOperating through a UK-wide network of 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA provides low cost and free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership.\n\nBut none of this would be possible without your support and donations. 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