Animals who served Canada in war are being honoured this Remembrance Day with commemorative pins from the the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
The Animals in War pins, which first launched in 2017, are meant to recognize the sacrifice of animals who have served and continue to serve as well as support the humans they work alongside. The pins are intended to be worn along with a poppy.
“The courage and sacrifice made by our veterans and the animals who served, and continue to serve bravely by their sides, should never be forgotten,” said Elizabeth Westover, Manager, Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre. “By wearing an Animals in War pin alongside your poppy on Remembrance Day, you are remembering these heroes.”
The designs are based off four different wartime animals in the Canadian Military. There is one for dogs who served as messengers, medical assistants, bomb detectors, and search and rescue workers. Another pin honours cats who kept ships free of vermin and also provided companionship. A pigeon pin honours its work carrying crucial messages. All three of these pins can be purchased in a bundle or individually.
There is also a horse pin in honour of mules which carried artillery and horses which transported troops and hauled field guns. However, there is a limited quantity of this pin for sale.
The pins are available now and proceeds from the sales will help Ontario SPCA animal centres provide care for animals in need and $1 from the sale of each pin will go to Royal Canadian Legion branches in Ontario SPCA communities to support veterans.
You can buy an Animals in War pin online at ontariospca.ca/remember.
