11 November #Letusremember Animals in War

Charities helping animals affected by war today or those who have served us in a military or police capacity.

War Paws
War Paws aims to alleviate pain and suffering of animals in hostile environments and civil conflict in Iraq.  Buy something from their shop – there are sponsorship gifts for instance or you can donate to their general fund and give towards food, vaccinations and veterinary care.  It is raising money to fund the building, manning, operating and protection of a mobile veterinary hospital in Iraq.  Find out more

Nowzad
Nowzad had the first animal rescue centre in Afghanistan and a horse/donkey sanctuary too.  You will probably have heard all about Nowzad in the news, as Pen Farthing worked to get all the cats and dogs and staff out of Afghanistan.  They are still operating in Afghanistan and helping animals in Ukraine as well. Find out more

The Horse Trust  
The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses has specialised in providing retirement and respite for working horses and ponies.  Many of them have served in the Police and the military such as Commando who served with the Household Cavalry and William, who had served with the The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and Yeti who was with the The Life Guards. Why not sponsor a resident to help?

Thin Blue Paw Foundation
The Foundation serving and retired police dogs across the UK.  Meet some of the dogs here.

Kabul Small Animal Rescue
The rescue has had an incredible journey in Kabul, Afghanistan.  After the Taliban took over, they still stayed and are operating to help dogs and cats and other animals.  In January 2021, they managed to get 284 dogs and cats out of Kabul on an aircraft to Vancouver - a truly incredible operation involving many very courageous people in a truly international effort.  Visit their website here and their Facebook page here

There's information about charities in the Ukraine here

Animals in war in the past

Armistice Day - also known as Remembrance Day - gives us an opportunity to remember all those who gave their lives in war, and who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and to thank those who continue to serve and to remember their families as well. 

Animal charities with information about animals serving in war include The Blue Cross, The Brooke, SPANA and the National Army Museum.  They all have information about the role animals and horses particularly played. The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict. 

The British, Commonwealth and Allied forces enlisted millions of animals. Horses, mules, donkeys, dogs, pigeons, elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, cats, rats, canaries and even glow worms.  Many were killed, often suffering from wounds, starvation, thirst, exhaustion, disease and exposure.  ... Wildlife was affected as fighting takes place on their habitats. 

In London's Hyde Park, there's a memorial called Animals in War, pictured above right.  It is dedicated to all the animals who served and died alongside the British and Allied forces. One inscriptions reads: "They had no choice."