As Remembrance Day approaches, it is important not only to remember the human victims of wartime, but also the animals who have been used for detection, scouting and rescue, as messengers, as beasts of burden and on the frontline.

Vast numbers of animals — in farms and zoos, for instance — continue to be innocent bystander victims when conflicts start.

Meanwhile, in UK Ministry of Defence Research laboratories, thousands suffer and die each year when they are infected with biological or chemical agents, or deliberately shot or otherwise damaged.

To commemorate all the animal victims, Animal Aid has issued a purple poppy, which can be worn alongside the traditional red one, as a reminder that both humans and animals have been, and continue to be, victims of war.

The purple poppies cost £1 each (including postage and packing) and are available from www.animalaid.org.uk or by calling 01732 364546.

A free copy of Animal Aid's colour booklet, Animals: the hidden victims of war, accompanies each order.

Kelly Slade

Campaigns officer Animal Aid