Animals of war remembered
Polo the mule.
DOGS, horses and a mule were present at a remembrance service on November 8 for military animals that have made a contribution to conflicts over the years.
Representatives from animal welfare charities and advocacy organisations gathered at the Animals in War monument on London's Park Lane to remember animals that fell during war.
Eight million horses and donkeys died in the First World War while transporting ammunition and supplies to the front line. Many mules also served on the Western Front and in the heat of Burma, Eritrea and Tunisia during World War II.
Those brave equines were represented at the service by a mule named Polo, alongside the Irish Draught Horse Society (GB), The Donkey Sanctuary, The Horse Trust, The British Mule Society, World Horse Welfare, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, The Household Cavalry and Blue Cross.
In conflicts around the world, hundreds of dogs have been used to run messages, lay telegraph wires, detect mines, dig out bomb victims and act as patrol dogs. Many of these battled on despite suffering injuries, showing courage and loyalty to their handlers. They were represented by a Cavachon called Florence and an Akita called Flora, along with Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, PDSA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, The Blue Cross, RSPCA, Greyhound Rescue, Irish Terriers, NOWZAD and the Retired Greyhound Trust.
And the avian contribution was not forgotten, with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association present to represent more than 300,000 pigeons that served in both world wars. They were thought to have saved thousands of lives by carrying vital messages over long distances in all weather conditions.
Many other animals – including elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, cats, canaries and even glow worms – have also served in conflicts. Dogs Trust chief executive, Clarissa Baldwin, OBE, said:
“Today is a time of reflection on all those animals that served bravely alongside our servicemen and women during military conflicts. The Animals in War Memorial is a fitting tribute to each and every one and no matter what their size they will be remembered forever with our sincerest thanks.”
The Animals in War monument, unveiled by the Princess Royal in 2004, was decorated with wreaths laid in memory of all the animals that have died while serving alongside their human allies. £2 million was raised by the Animals in War Memorial Fund, through a national appeal, to build the monument.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
