Annual Remembrance Service for Animals in War
The huge contribution made by millions of animals in military conflicts was remembered today (9th November 2012) as dogs, horses and even a mule attended a special remembrance service at the Animals in War monument on London’s Park Lane.
The animals attended the event alongside many of the UK’s animal welfare and advocacy organisations who laid wreaths in memory and admiration of all the animals that died whilst serving alongside their human allies.
Although the contribution made by animals in war has recently received international recognition with films such as War Horse, The Animals in War monument was only unveiled by HRH the Princess Royal in November 2004, 90 years after the start of World War I. Trustees of the Animals in War Memorial Fund raised the £2 million needed to build the monument through a national appeal and the consequent generosity of many individual donors, charities and companies.
Many other animals served bravely throughout the years, including elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, cats, canaries and even glow worms. The Animals in War Memorial service is organised by Dogs Trust and the Petplan Charitable Trust. Animals in attendance this year include: three horses from the Household Cavalry led by Captain Rupert Hills, Polo the Mule accompanied by The British Mule Society and chocolate Labrador Louie accompanied by Dogs Trust.
Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin OBE, commented:
“The Animals in War Memorial is a fitting tribute to the millions of animals who, through no choice of their own, served bravely alongside our servicemen and woman during military conflicts. Their contribution, whatever their size will be remembered forever with our sincerest thanks.”