Ontario SPCA to Lay Wreath Honouring Animals at National Remembrance Day Ceremony

STOUFFVILLE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 11, 2016) -

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Today, as people across the nation come together to remember and honour those who have served their country, the war-time contributions of animals will also be honoured with the laying of a wreath by an Ontario SPCA officer during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa.

"This is a very special occasion for the Society to be able to formally honour the brave deeds of animals in wartime," says Connie Mallory, Chief Inspector, Ontario SPCA. "This Remembrance Day, we will bow our heads at the National War Memorial to remember not only the veterans who have served Canada, but also the courageous animals that stood by their sides."

Placing the wreath during the ceremony will be Ontario SPCA Agent Tex Ridder, who himself served in the military for 20 years before joining the Ontario SPCA in 2003. Ridder, a retired Sergeant, was a flight engineer and served as aircrew on search and rescue missions.

"It is a privilege to have the opportunity to place a wreath for the animals that have served this country," says Ridder. "Animals have played such an integral role in our war efforts and have always had a special bond with their human comrades."

A variety of animals have served in wartime. Mules carried artillery, horses transported troops and hauled field guns, pigeons delivered crucial messages and dogs served as messengers, medical assistants, bomb detectors and search and rescue workers. To commemorate their contributions, an Animals in War Dedication was unveiled in 2012 in Ottawa's Confederation Park.

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society:

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's Animal Welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first Animal Welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce Animal Welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.

Ontario SPCA provides leadership in animal welfare innovations including introducing high-volume spay/neuter services to Ontario and opening the Provincial Education and Animal Centre.

OntarioSPCA.ca

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