Wear a purple poppy for the animals, says Lyth activist
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A Lyth-based model and Peta representative wants to spread awareness of the purple poppy that can be worn in memory of animals that served during wartime.
Natalie Oag, who also runs a riding stable near her home, urges people to wear a purple poppy with pride on Armistice Day and "spare a thought for the countless animal lives lost alongside the human lives" during wartime conflicts.
"The purple poppy was created in 2006 by the charity Animal Aid as a way to commemorate animals which served during conflicts as the charity viewed that they had been the forgotten victims of war. Approximately eight million horses and donkeys died during the First World War," said Natalie.
"These animals had no choice, they unreservedly applied their strength, perseverance, loyalty and intelligence in a way that influenced the course and success of the British and Allied war effort."
Animal Aid continued to sell the purple poppy with proceeds going to them until 2015 when they replaced the symbol with an enamel purple paw badge as they felt it was being misinterpreted – the animals are not "heroes" but victims. The purple poppy symbol was subsequently picked up by the Murphy's Army charity in 2016 and continues to be sold by them online.
Natalie says that horses, dogs and pigeons were the on the frontline during the First and Second World Wars and we should "reconsider" how we look at them due to their distinguished service records.
"Some call the pigeon a pest but we might not have been here today if it was not for the major part this intelligent bird did during the war.
"More than 100,000 pigeons served Britain in the First World War and 200,000 in World War II. They performed heroically and saved thousands of lives by carrying vital messages, sometimes over long
distances, when other methods of communication were impossible."
Natalie says that the dog's innate "qualities of intelligence and devotion were valued and used by forces" in conflicts throughout the twentieth century as well. "Many battled on despite horrific wounds and in terrifying circumstances to the limit of their endurance, showing indomitable courage and supreme loyalty to their handlers."
The Peta Highland rep said it is "heartbreaking" to hear that eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys died in the First World War. "They were used to transport ammunition and supplies to the front and many died, not only from the horrors of shellfire but also in terrible weather and appalling conditions."
Mules were found to have tremendous stamina in extreme climates and over difficult terrain, serving courageously in the freezing mud on the Western Front and later at Monte Cassino in World War II.
Natalie urges people to spare a thought this month, not just for all the brave men and woman who served, but also for the animals who "had no say in the matter" and "innocently did as they were told" with many losing their lives.
"What better way to show you care by wearing a purple poppy badge along side your red poppy – all lives, human and animal, that were lost will never be forgotten."
For more information on Animal Aid and the purple poppy badge visit: www.animalaid.org.uk/the-issues/our-campaigns/living-without-cruelty/the-purple-poppy/
The charity Murphy's Army sells the purple poppy badge through its website at: theyalsoserved.org/
