Buy a purple poppy (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Buy a purple poppy

8:35am Thursday 28th October 2010 in Readers' letters

SIR – As Remembrance Day approaches, it is important not only to remember the human victims of war, 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 secret UK Ministry of Defence research laboratories, thousands of animals suffer and die each year when they are infected with biological or chemical agents, or deliberately shot or otherwise harmed.

To commemorate all the animal victims, Animal Aid has issued a purple poppy, which can be worn alongside the traditional red or white ones, 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 animalaid.org.uk, or by calling (01732) 364546, ext. 231. A free copy of Animal Aid’s colour booklet, Animals: The Hidden Victims Of War, is available on request.

Karin Watts, Purple Poppy Co-ordinator, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1AW