Remembering animal victims of war

The purple poppy is often worn as remembrance to animal victims of war all around the world. In 2018 New Zealand held its first Purple Poppy Day at the National Army Museum in Waiouru to commemorate the role animals have played in war.

For over 150 years, SPCA has been working hard to raise awareness of cruelty and suffering of animals. The early days focussed largely on the cruel conditions of working horses in New Zealand, but in the early-mid-1900s, our work was of course against the background of war.

The courageous animals used during the war periods performed crucial service tasks and offered solace during wartime. At SPCA, we remember all these animals — they gave so much and contributed significantly to our well-being, safety and efforts during wartime.

The animals used often included horses, donkeys, camels, dogs, pigeons, occasionally cats, and even glow-worms, which were used as a light-source in the tunnels of Arras during WWI. It is estimated that in WWI alone about nine million animals died while serving in the military.

It is a sad reality that animals often paid the price of war. Between 1914 and 1916, over 10,000 horses were shipped from New Zealand to the Middle East, Gallipoli and the Western Front for service. Around 3% of them would die en route to their destinations.

Horses were mainly used for mounted infantry, transport and artillery. Of the 10,000 who left our shores, only four were ever returned to New Zealand. Many of the horses had become too weak or unwell or had been injured by artillery fire or aerial attacks and were therefore unfit to travel.

Horses in good enough condition were sold locally, while the rest, too unwell to be of use, were shot. It is believed 16 million animals perished during the four years of WWI, and tens of million during WWII.

We remember them.

The PDSA Dickins Medal is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, honouring the work, bravery and courage of animals in service. Since 1943 the medal has been awarded 75 times, and its recipients include 38 dogs, 32 pigeons, 4 horses and a cat.

Many countries around the world have set up memorials to honour animals who served for their bravery, courage and devotion throughout wartime. Still today, animals are adopted as mascots of hope and joy during war efforts. In 2009, during an overseas deployment in Afghanistan, New Zealander Major Syd Dewes befriended a big white ‘wolf-like’ dog named Gunner, who soon became the mascot of Kiwi troops serving in the region.

Animals will continue to be in service on the frontlines and as companions during wartime, and now they are frequently used for therapy for those navigating post-traumatic stress disorder. SPCA will always advocate for all animals, fighting for their right to be treated with the highest regard, in order to reduce and stop any suffering and cruelty.

Every gift in a Will is a ‘thank you’ to animals for their love and loyalty.

If you would like to receive information about leaving a gift in your Will, or you would like to let us know you have left a gift in your Will, please do contact us on 021 598 313 or by email to givinghearts@spca.nz

SPCA is very proud to offer FREE Wills through our partnership with GatheredHere – this enables our supporters to create their Wills with peace of mind of no added costs of the Will itself.