Lest we forget
Dogs Trust's chief executive, Owen Sharp, and 'Peanut' at the memorial
Over 16 million animals served in the First World War. They were used for transport, communication and companionship.
Horses, donkeys, mules and camels carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies to men at the front, and dogs and pigeons carried messages. Canaries were used to detect poisonous gas, and cats and dogs were trained to hunt rats in the trenches.
On Friday 8 November, two- and four-legged guests gathered at the fifteenth Animals in War Memorial event in Hyde Park, London to pay their respects to the animals that have served and continue to serve in conflicts throughout the world.
Organised by Dogs Trust and the Petplan Charitable Trust, the event was attended by representatives from the animal welfare sector as well animals including horses from the Household Cavalry and Dogs Trust rescue dog, Peanut, a terrier cross.
Guest readers included author, Jilly Cooper, scholar and historian, Dr Hilda Kean and BBC correspondent, Gordon Corera, as well as four school children who read poetry they had written especially for the event.
Dogs Trust chief executive, Owen Sharp, commented: “It is incredibly moving to see so many organisations coming together each year to commemorate the immense bravery of the animals that served alongside our soldiers in battle. We believe that it is important that we continue to remember the animals of war and ensure they are never forgotten.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
