Nations gather for 2025 International day of recognition to commemorate Animals’ crucial war efforts
Animal and service organisations in six countries are preparing to come together to seek overdue recognition for the part that animals played in conflicts.
The second International War Animal Day, on Monday, February 24, involves Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada, the UK and France. Flags will be flown, knitted poppy wreaths laid and purple candles lit at 11am local time to remember the sacrifice of tens of millions of animals who served – and continue to serve – alongside soldiers.
We at The War Horse Memorial are leading the way in the UK with events planned in Devon, Mid Sussex, Hampshire and by the Donkey Breed Society whose members are staging events across the country.
In the Mid Sussex village of Cuckfield the parish is breaking with tradition. A special flag will be flown over the Queen’s Hall - only the second time this has been allowed. And in Little London, in Hampshire outside the Plough Inn, candle will be lit and a wreath laid at the foot of Arthur the village war horse memorial.
Kaleb and Maggie will be showing their support at Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford, Oxfordshire
At the Cotswold Wildlife Park, in Burford, Oxfordshire, on Thursday, February 20, Bactrian camels called Kaleb and Maggie ( pictured) will will be wearing giant knitted purple poppies over their humps to show their support.
In North Yorkshire, at The Green Howards Museum in Richmond, a new exhibition titled ‘Animal Allies: Discover the Silent Partners of the Armed Forces’, will open from February through to Decembe. It festures a cascade of knitted purple poppies and the symbolic lighting of purple candles, witnessed by members of The Donkey Breed Society (Northern Division).
Then, the focus of remembrance will turn to Ascot, Berkshire, home of Poppy our War Horse, a national memorial dedicated to the millions of UK, Commonwealth and Allied horses, mules and donkeys lost during the Great War. At 11am on February 24 we will lay our wreath, fly our flag and light a candle. We hope many other animal lovers will join is in this simple act of remembrance.
Dozens of animal charities and horse sanctuaries are already on board. We have written to King Charles and to Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, seeking their support. Both are animal lovers and we hope they will see that they have it in their power to make the difference.
More than 16 million animals served in the First World War. They were used for transport, communication and companionship. Horse and camel-mounted troops were used in the desert campaigns throughout the conflict. Horses, donkeys, mules and camels carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies to soldiers at the Front.
Animal Allies exhibition at The Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
Dogs and pigeons carried messages. Canaries were used to detect poisonous gas and cats and dogs were trained to hunt rats in the trenches. They were taken from their farms, homes and from the streets to fuel the War effort. Few returned.
We at The War Horse Memorial believe that Britain, as an animal loving nation, will want to get involved. If you wish to show your support please visit our online shop where you can buy one of our 2025 pin badges or knitted poppies for your treasured pets to wear.