A heartwarming story of resilience unfolds at Dulles International Airport as Freddie, a dedicated Customs and Border Protection (CBP) beagle, prepares to resume his duties following a shocking incident of abuse by a traveler.

According to CBS News, the 5-year-old detection dog was viciously kicked by an Egyptian passenger on June 24 while performing routine baggage screening duties, resulting in injuries that required immediate veterinary attention.

The incident occurred when Freddie, accompanied by his handler CBP Agriculture Specialist Melissa Snyder, alerted authorities to suspicious contents in a passenger's luggage at the baggage claim area. The routine inspection turned violent when the passenger, identified as 70-year-old Hamed Aly Marie, delivered a forceful kick to Freddie's ribcage.

Dedicated K9 Officer's Journey to Recovery

The impact of Marie's kick was severe enough to lift Freddie off the ground, causing bruising and a contusion to his side. Despite the traumatic experience, Freddie's handler Melissa Snyder reported that the incident frightened the brave beagle more than causing lasting physical damage.

After two weeks of recovery and careful monitoring, Freddie has been cleared to return to his important role at Dulles International Airport. The resilient canine officer has shown remarkable progress in his recovery, demonstrating the unwavering spirit that makes him an invaluable member of the CBP team.

Freddie's story has garnered significant attention and support from both the law enforcement community and the public, highlighting the crucial role that working dogs play in maintaining airport security and agricultural safety protocols.

Distinguished Career in Agricultural Protection

During his 22-month tenure with CBP, Freddie has compiled an impressive record of achievements in protecting U.S. agriculture. The talented beagle has successfully detected 4,500 pounds of plant products and 3,800 pounds of meat products, including 140 pounds of exotic bushmeat from various animals.

Snyder explains that Freddie's work, while crucial for national security, is essentially a game for the cheerful canine. The beagle receives treats as rewards for his discoveries, making his demanding job feel more like an exciting game of hide-and-seek.

The CBP specifically chose beagles for this work due to their non-threatening appearance and exceptional olfactory abilities. This combination helps create a more comfortable environment for travelers while maintaining rigorous security standards.

Legal Consequences and Swift Justice

The perpetrator of the attack, Hamed Aly Marie, faced immediate legal consequences for his actions. Following his arrest by CBP officers, he was transferred to Homeland Security investigators for further processing.

Marie's luggage was found to contain over 100 pounds of prohibited agricultural items. He pleaded guilty to a federal criminal count of malicious assault on a police animal and received a sentence of time served, along with an order to pay Freddie's veterinary bills totaling $840.

Two days after the incident, on June 26, Marie departed the United States and returned to Egypt, having faced justice for his assault on the dedicated CBP officer.

Airport Security Enhancement Continues

Freddie's return to duty marks a significant milestone in CBP's ongoing efforts to maintain robust agricultural protection at U.S. ports of entry. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of working animals in law enforcement roles.

The CBP's K9 program remains a vital component of the agency's mission to protect U.S. agriculture from harmful pests and diseases. Freddie's successful recovery and return to service demonstrate the resilience and dedication of these specially trained animals.

Looking ahead, the CBP continues to strengthen its security measures while ensuring the safety of its valuable K9 officers like Freddie, who play an irreplaceable role in safeguarding the nation's agricultural interests at international entry points.