Just received this reply from 10 Downing St:
Thank you for the e-petition regarding Sandbag the dog who has been one of two mascot animals, along with Hesco the cat, living with our troops at the port of Umm Quasar, near Basra, in Iraq.
The Prime Minister visited Umm Quasar last December and announced that British combat troops would be withdrawing from Iraq in the first half of 2009. This means that the base in Umm Quasar where Sandbag and Hesco were living has now been handed over to American forces. Our US colleagues have assured us that both Sandbag and Hesco will be well cared for. Both are currently fit and healthy. As they had lived on the base since birth, British forces felt that staying there would be best for Sandbag and Hesco. Commanders on the ground always take decisions on the future of mascot animals on a case by case basis. The Government supports the decision taken in this case.