Meet Bonny, the first British military search dog deployed to Mali
Lance Corporal Grant Stevens and his companion Bonny are part of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team newly deployed to Mali
A three-hundred strong task group of British soldiers has arrived in Mali as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission (MINUSMA). Their mission is about building peace, stability and security in the region.
Amongst those 300 men and women is a four-legged member of the Task Group, Bonny. She is a search dog and her role is to assist the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) search team on the ground.
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It’s a bond like no other, Lance Corporal Grant Stevens and Bonny work seamlessly together to offer this highly skilled specialism to the Task Group.
“She’ll be assisting with the guys on the ground with the search, so she is going to be helping out where and when possible.”
— LCpl Grant Stevens, Bonny’s handler
“Bonny is a very affectionate dog. We have done a lot of training in preparation for the tour, and we definitely have a good bond at the moment. That will continue to get a lot stronger over the course of the tour.”
— LCpl Grant Stevens, Bonny’s handler
Bonny is a Belgian Malinois. She is versatile, and lighter in weight than the more commonly known breed, German Shepherd. Both Grant and Bonny will be with the search team who operate from the Mastiff armoured vehicle.
The Mastiff is a heavily armoured, six-wheel-drive patrol vehicle which can carry eight passengers and three crew.
“For the both of us it will be our first deployment, so brand new experiences for both of us.”
— LCpl Grant Stevens, Bonny’s handler
Not only is Bonny a key asset of the team, but she also brings a much-needed element to the Task Group — morale. For many of the troops deployed, having a dog on tour is a great pick-me-up.
“All the lads and ladies seem to like her, and everyone loves a dog around, so at least in passing or when we are out on a job, it is good for them to see her”
- LCpl Grant Stevens
As her handler, Grant also looks after her safety. In the run-up to the deployment, he has been keeping up to scratch with his veterinary skills. This involves basic first aid for dogs.
Like the soldiers Bonny has deployed with, she has been issued her personal protective kit. This includes her harness, boots, ear defenders and goggles. Also to deal with the heat in Mali, Grant has a small jacket which he can douse in water to keep Bonny cool.
The United Nations is at the forefront of helping to build peace and stability in some of the world’s most dangerous places. The UK Task Group in Mali is strengthening the UN mission’s ability to help the people of Mali and provide stability and security.
