Mexico bids farewell to rescue dog Proteo who died in Turkey

An emotional farewell ceremony was held on Thursday in Mexico for Proteo, the brave rescue dog who died while taking part in rescue operations in Turkey.

"Mission completed, champ": The Mexican army bid an emotional farewell to Proteo, a rescue dog who died while searching for survivors from the deadly earthquake in Turkey. pic.twitter.com/pJ834BrfCu

— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 17, 2023

Proteo, a German Shephard and a member of a Mexican response team, died in Turkey's quake-hit southeastern city of Adiyaman while searching for survivors buried beneath the rubble.

Mexican defense minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval announced Proteo's death at a daily press conference.

The ministry said in a statement: "Thank you Proteo for your heroic work, you fulfilled the Mexican Army's mission."

It continued:

"The members of the Mexican Army and Air Force deeply regret the loss of our great companion, the dog 'Proteo', you fulfilled your mission as a member of the Mexican Delegation in the search and rescue of our brothers in Turkey. We are proud of you."

Soldiers wearing vests, with the image of Proteo, marched in the ceremony on 16 February at the Santa Lucia Air Force Base in Zumpango, Mexico.

While it is not yet clear how Proteo died, he is reported to have spent several days carrying out crucial work searching for survivors in disaster areas.

Proteo was one of more than a dozen rescue dogs deployed by Mexico, alongside 130 military personnel, to assist in the disaster response efforts.