Pat For Pets: India To Build Its First War Memorial For Animals In Meerut Soon

The monument will be built along the lines of the National War Memorial in Delhi.

The Indian Army is one of biggest military forces in the world. The valiant employees of the force includes not just our soldiers but also a number of service animals that have made incredible contributions to the military with many even losing their life on the battlefield. So in order to recognise and remember their heroism the Indian Government has decided to build the country’s first war memorial for animals in Meerut. The memorial, that will be constructed along the lines of the National War Memorial in Delhi, will come up at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre and College in Meerut where the army breeds, rears, and trains dogs, mules and horses.

Indian Military’s service animals include over 1000 dogs, 5000 mules, and 1500 horses. A number of these service animals aid the security forces in a number of ways and many have played a significant role in pivotal missions like the Kargil War and counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir. Thus a war memorial will mark a befitting homage to honour their exceptional gallantry and distinguished towards the country. The memorial will bear the names of over 300 dogs, 350 handlers, and a few horses and mules inscribed on granite tablets. It will also bear names of around 25 killed in action during counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the country’s North-east.

Animal war memorials are a common feature in several countries across the world and India will soon follow suit with them. Land and preliminary designs for the memorial have already been identified and RVC is only awaiting approval from the Defense Ministry to begin the rest of the process. It is notable that India already honours the heroism of service animals with military awards like the Shaurya Chakra and Sena Medal.