Purple Poppy Day ANZAC Official War Animal Day

Purple Poppy Day ANZAC Official War Animal Day

24 February Each year on this date Australia and New Zealand honour the deeds and sacrifices of service animals.

WWI During the First World War over 9 Million animals were killed. ANZAC Veterinary Staff gave aid to tens of thousands of injured animals during this conflict.

WWII

VIETNAM 11 Australian Tracker dogs were left behind

MODERN ERA

AFGHANISTAN

WE LEFT THEM BEHIND

VETERAN DOG PROJECT The Defence Force & Emergency Service throughout Australian and New Zealand have policies that their duty-of-care to Service Dogs ends when they retire. Because of the typical age of retirement, the people who take on responsibility for these veteran Service Dogs are unable to take out pet insurance to help with the costs of future veterinary care.

AWAMO has a program in place to financially help and support these veteran ANZAC Service Dogs. Many of the significant health costs come at the end of a dog’s life. Our four-legged veterans have given much. Over recent times 11 have given the ultimate sacrifice, killed in Afghanistan protecting our troop, whilst many more Police dogs continue risk their lives daily. We owe them much, at least to make their last few years of retired life comfortable and given the medical treatment they need. Please consider helping us help these veterans. AWAMO has donated funds for several years to Military and Police dogs. The funds have been used to purchase medication, pay veterinary bills, and supply dog items that aid comfort- such as beds, coats and toys. Finally, we have funded the costs of cremation and honouring them with a burial head stone.

YOU CAN HELP Simply buy a K 9 Veterans Challenge Coin for $20.

Emergency Service