A well-loved Lincolnshire Police Dog who dedicated much of his life to protecting the public has been recognised posthumously by leading veterinary charity PDSA with a Commendation Award.

Police Dog Boris, who served alongside his handler PC Karl Pownall, made a significant contribution to policing across Lincolnshire during his career, attending hundreds of incidents and helping officers to locate suspects, recover weapons and firearms, and keep members of the public safe.

Being awarded a prestigious PDSA Commendation Award recognises PD Boris’ dedicated service and the important role he played in some challenging and dangerous incidents.

Belgian Malinois PD Boris served alongside his handler as part of Lincolnshire Police for seven years until he retired in 2022.

placeholder image — A posthumous PDSA award for PD Boris.

Among his many operational successes was an incident in February 2021, PD Boris and PC Pownall were called to a burglary where a male was attempting to force entry to the front door of a house. Inside the property, the homeowners - an elderly couple - were experiencing an extremely frightening ordeal. Boris was sent in and tackled the suspect, bringing him to the floor and allowing officers to arrest him. The couple later discovered that the suspect had a weapon and told officers they believed Boris had saved their lives that night.

Boris famously helped Lincolnshire Police track down and arrest two suspects after a telehandler forklift was stolen in Caythorpe in 2019. On another occasion he cornered a man suspected of multiple assaults in East Lindsey.

Chief Constable Paul Gibson said: “PD Boris is highly deserving of this award for his exemplary service with Lincolnshire Police. Along with his handler, PC Karl Pownall, PD Boris made a huge contribution to protecting our community in Lincolnshire and keeping them safe.

“He served with us for seven invaluable years, contributing to hundreds of incidents where he successfully assisted in searching for and apprehending offenders, reducing risk to the public we serve.

Police Dog Boris, who served alongside his handler PC Karl Pownall.

“PD Boris has served Lincolnshire’s public with distinction, intervening in so many scenarios that could have escalated and presented further risk to members of the public, as well as our officers during his seven years of service."

After retiring in 2022, Boris sadly died in September 2025. When announcing his death on social media, Lincolnshire Police received over 10,000 likes and 4,700 comments.

PDSA's Animal Awards Programme was established in 1943 by the charity's founder, Maria Dickin, who believed recognising animals for their exceptional actions would raise their status in society and encourage better treatment. The PDSA Commendation is one of four awards within the programme and recognises animals whose devotion, companionship and everyday actions have made an exceptional difference to the lives of people.

PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin said: “PDSA’s Animal Awards are an incredibly important part of our history and our commitment to recognising the extraordinary contribution animals make to our lives. For generations, we have celebrated animals whose courage, loyalty, devotion and companionship have had a profound impact on people and communities.

“The PDSA Commendation is particularly special because it shines a light on the everyday heroes - animals whose unwavering love, support and devotion have transformed the lives of those around them.

“Every recipient has a remarkable story to tell, and by recognising these animals, we are also recognising the very special bond between people and their pets.”