“They had no choice” - Causeway Coast Dog Rescue honours animals who served in war
The manager of a north coast animal charity has laid a wreath at London’s Animals in War Memorial, honouring the animals that served, suffered and died alongside humans in wartime.
Causeway Coast Dog Rescue Manager Tara Cunningham joined representatives from animal welfare organisations and other groups for the annual remembrance service at 11am on Novermber 6.
Hosted by Petplan Charitable Trust, the ceremony took place at Brook Gate, Park Lane, beside Hyde Park.
Among the speakers were broadcaster and animal welfare supporter Angela Rippon CBE who is an ambassador for international animal welfare charity Brooke. Contributions also came from representatives of the Household Cavalry, PDSA, Ferne Animal Sanctuary, War Paws and Dame Jilly Cooper’s family.
Around 50 societies and organisations laid wreaths during the gathering, remembering the contribution of animals across generations of conflict.
Tara said: “It was a privilege to lay a wreath on behalf of Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, the first representative from Northern Ireland, and to stand alongside so many people committed to ensuring that animals’ service and suffering are never forgotten.
“The memorial’s words ‘They had no choice’ carry an extraordinary weight. These animals did not choose war, yet they carried supplies, delivered messages, searched for casualties and worked alongside people in some of the most dangerous circumstances imaginable.
“As we remember the people who served and lost their lives, we also remember the animals who shared their hardship and danger.”
The purple poppy is a symbol of remembrance for animals that served and died in conflict, recognising their contribution and providing a visible expression of compassion and respect.
Tara also spoke personally with Angela Rippon, who spent time meeting some of the dogs attending the ceremony.
“It was lovely to speak with Angela and to see her spending time with the dogs,” Tara said.
“Her affection for animals and her heartfelt support for the ceremony were clear. It was a moving occasion, bringing together people who share a determination that these animals should be remembered.”
The Animals in War Memorial was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal on 24 November 2004. Designed by sculptor David Backhouse, its Portland stone walls and bronze figures, including two laden mules, a horse and a dog, provide a permanent tribute to animals’ service and suffering.
The late Dame Jilly Cooper, author of Animals in War, was an original trustee and a driving force behind the fundraising campaign that made the memorial possible.
Public donations and support from charities, companies and major benefactors, including Petplan, helped bring the project to fruition. The memorial recognises many species.
Horses, mules and donkeys transported essential supplies; dogs carried messages, detected mines and helped locate people buried beneath rubble and pigeons delivered vital communications when other methods failed.
Tara added: “Through our work at Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, we see every day how deeply animals trust and depend upon people. Remembering their service should also encourage us to show compassion and take responsibility for their welfare today.
“My sincere thanks to Petplan for the invitation and to Petplan Charitable Trust for bringing us together for this important act of remembrance. The question is now, should we have an animal remembrance in Northern Ireland?”