Humans and animals came together to pay their respect to the animals who gave their lives on military service today.
On the centenary of the start of the First World War representatives from a number of animal charities gathered at the Animals in War Memorial in London’s Park Lane for the commemoration.
The memorial was unveiled in 2004 and so far trustees of the Animals in War Memorial Fund have raised over £2million.
“2014 has been a special year of remembrance with the centenary of the First World War and the 70thanniversary of D-Day,” said Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Adrian Burder.
“It is also ten years since the Animals in War Memorial was unveiled and it is deeply moving to see so many representatives of the major animal charities paying their respects to all those animals that served bravely alongside our servicemen and women during military conflicts.
“All military animals, whatever their size, deserve our sincerest thanks for their contribution both past and present.”
Eight million horses and donkeys died in the First World War while carrying vital supplies to the front line.
Dogs also played a vital part in the war risking their lives to run messages and detect bombs.
Of course, carrier pigeons were a big part of the war effort and over 300,000 delivered messages while travelling through harsh conditions.
Throughout a number of war efforts a many other animals have served valiantly including elephants, camels and glow worms.
Animals were not only remembered at this service but many paid their respects including horses from the Household Cavalry.
Mavis, a Collie Cross, was also there accompanying Dogs Trust.
Dogs Trust helped to organise the event and were one of a number of charities at the event.
Also there were Cats Protection, the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and Brooke Hospital for Animals along with a number of other animal charities.
