A PROUD DAY FOR THE INSURGENCY?

An assasination attempt on a dog. It failed.

AN ARMY sniffer dog was the target of an ASSASSINATION bid by Iraqi guerillas because he found so many weapons.

Hero Blaze, an English springer spaniel, was marked down for a "hit" after nosing out huge caches of guns, ammo and explosives.

A contract was put on Blaze's head by militia men loyal to toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. And a hitman struck as the dog was searching a roadside in Az Zubayr, south-west of the city of Basra.

The would-be killer came roaring up in a car, deliberately swerved and ran over Blaze who was wearing a fluorescent harness and could be clearly seen. The attacker then sped off.

Blaze's handler, Lance Corporal Steve Dineley, watched in horror as the dog disappeared under the car. Amazingly he escaped with only bruises and cuts.

A senior Army officer said: "There is no doubt that this was a deliberate assassination attempt. Bounties are commonly offered in Iraq and we are convinced that there was a price on Blaze's head."

Thanks to John, who suggested we train dogs to sniff out suicide bombers, and team them with attack dogs who can immediately attack the potential bomber.

I like the idea. Bet PETA won't.