The Animals in War Memorial Service, hosted by Petplan Charitable Trust, was held this year on Friday 7th November 2025.

The service is organised each year to honour all those animals who have been affected by war, and all those who have served and continue to serve. The event takes place at the Animals in War Memorial in Hyde Park, which was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal in 2004.

Many service personnel attended

It is always an honour to host this service. This year we were privileged to have representatives from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and from the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch, as well as many service personnel in uniform – their presence always gives the event an added sense of occasion.

Not a single day has passed since WWI without conflict somewhere

The theme of this year’s service was: “STILL THEY SERVE AND SUFFER – WITHOUT CHOICE” – a reference to the fact that there hasn’t been a single day without conflict somewhere in the world since before the First World War.

After an introduction by the Trust’s administrator, Cath Bourg, those gathered observed a minute’s silence, followed by the release of two homing pigeons by Mike Armitage from Pigeons in War.

Speakers included Angela Rippon and the Earl of Stockton

The speakers this year were as follows:

“Compassion Born out of Conflict”: Angela Rippon, Ambassador for Brooke

“The Age of the Horse”: Jenny Seagrove, Mane Chance Sanctuary

“A Tribute to the Animals of Conflict”: Chris Burghes, Blue Cross

“Equine heroes – the donkeys and horses of Gaza”: The Earl of Stockton, Patron of Safe Haven for Donkeys

“Until That Day Comes”: Helen Yates, War Paws

A moving tribute to the late Dame Jilly Cooper

David Simpson, Chair of the Trust, then gave a very moving tribute to the late Dame Jilly Cooper who was instrumental in raising the funds which enabled the memorial to be built, and who attended the service most years. A wreath was then laid on her behalf.

There were over 30 organisations represented at the event. Each organisation was called out in turn to lay a wreath and pay their respects at the base of the memorial:

To conclude the event, we heard a poem written by Lucy Jackson of Irish Terriers.
There were lots of dogs at the event and, after the service, they were invited up onto the memorial to have their own photoshoot! (All images kind courtesy Wayne Jones Photography)

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