Fed member pays tribute to war animals at annual memorial service

24 November 2022

Gemma (left) at the Animals in War Memorial.

A Hertfordshire Police Federation member has told how ‘honoured’ she was to lay a wreath at this year’s Animals in War Memorial Service, an event that pays tribute to service animals who died in the war.

PC Gemma Wardell who is a trustee and founder of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation joined other leading animal welfare organisations at the ceremony.

During the service which took place in London on Thursday 10 November, animals who died while serving during times of war and conflict were honoured.

“It was an absolute honour to be there,” said Gemma, who helped launch the Thin Blue Paw Foundation in 2020. Its mission is to protect, celebrate and rehabilitate both serving and retired police dogs from across the country.

“We remember the people that served and continue to serve this country and it’s so important that we remember and pay tribute to the animals that fought for us too - as well as honour those animals who protect us today as well. 

“And it’s not just dogs - so many horses and carrier pigeons died serving in the war too. So many of those animals were pets, that were sent out to support troops and some of them, just left there when the war was over.

“I believe they should be thanked in some way.”

Gemma was inspired to launch the Thin Blue Paw Foundation after her husband and co-founder of the charity, Dave, along with his police dog, were attacked on duty.

Dave received minor injuries to his hand while his German Shepherd, Finn, was stabbed in the heart.

Despite Finn needing major surgery, the offender received just four months in jail, a sentence which prompted the duo to campaign for Finn’s Law, legislation that was introduced in 2019 and means those who harm service animals will be given a more severe conviction.

Just months after surgery, Finn heroically returned back to work with Dave. 

“We are wanting these animals, both dogs and horses, to protect us on a daily basis. They are putting their lives in danger for us. They risk their lives for us,” added Gemma, who now looks after multiple training and retired police dogs, including Finn after he retired at eight-years-old. 

“When these dogs retire, they receive nothing - no pension, they get nothing from the Force. It’s only fair that we give something back to them, and that’s what the charity is all about. 

“The charity also helps to ensure service animals live a pain-free retirement.”

It was the first time the charity had attended the animal memorial service and Gemma says she hopes that they will be there again at next year’s event.

Gemma ended: “Coming together to remember those animals was very poignant. It’s so important that their sacrifice is never forgotten.”