Thin Blue Paw Foundation representatives at the Animals in War Memorial.

Tributes paid to humans and animals who served.

Veterinary and animal welfare organisations across the country are paying tribute to the people and animals who lost their lives in war this Remembrance Day.

On 10 November, leading animal welfare organisations joined together to attend a service dedicated to animals who served in wars and conflict.

Taking place in London at the Animals in War Memorial, representatives from animal welfare organisations laid wreaths in tribute to animals lost in wars throughout history.

Gemma Wardell, from the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, attended the service, and commented: “Huge numbers of animals have helped soldiers during conflict and have lost their lives during war.

“Coming together to remember them felt very poignant and special; it’s important that their sacrifice is never forgotten.

“Today animals continue to dedicate their lives to serving us and that’s why we felt, at the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, that it was important to attend today’s service and lay a wreath in memory of those from decades past as well as in tribute to those who continue to work today.”

Mike Elliot, who attended the event on behalf of Cats Protection, said on Twitter: “Wonderful event with some inspirational and humbling speeches remembering animals lost in conflicts old and sadly new.”

War Paws, a charity working to alleviate the pain and suffering of animals in wars and conflicts today, tweeted: “War Paws Trustee, Sally,had the great honour of laying a wreath and speaking at the Animals in War Memorial service. 

“Animals throughout history and in present times have served in war, dogs to horses to pigeons to camels and many more paid the ultimate sacrifice for their service.”

In the First World War (WWI), which Remembrance Day marks the end of, over 16 million animals served, horses, mules and donkeys, were used to transport supplies and ammunition to the front, while dogs' natural intelligence and devotion was used to run messages, lay telegraph wires, detect mines and act as guard and patrol dogs.

Over 100,000 pigeons served in WWI, and 200,000 served in WWII, carrying messages when other communication methods were not possible, and many other animals were also used in conflicts throughout the 20th century.

Animal welfare and veterinary charity PDSA shared this message on social media: "This #RemembranceDay, we're commemorating the contribution of people and animals in the two world wars and later conflicts. 

“Today, at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we remember them and all of the brave soldiers and animals that served.”

Image (C) The Thin Blue Paw Foundation