Remember the Animals that died in World War I

November 11th 1918 marked the end of the First World War, one of the deadliest conflicts in history. It is estimated that about 10 million members of the armed forces and 7 million civilians were killed over the four year duration of the War. Many millions were wounded. Around the Celtic lands and other parts of the world memorial services are taking place to commemorate this disastrous event. This year of 2014 also marks one hundred years since the start of the conflict. We quite correctly remember the carnage and death suffered by people in the First World War.

Let us also remember the animals that were the victims. During the First World War, horses, mules, donkeys and dogs were requisitioned from civilians. These innocent creatures taken into this man made conflict. Many suffered horrific deaths from wounds, thirst, starvation, disease, exposure and exhaustion. In the First World War, while ten million human combatants perished, the death rate amongst warhorses was proportionately higher with some eight million killed on all sides. All participants in this terrible War used animals. So it is right in this year of the one hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the First World War to also remember their terrible suffering.