Ahead of Remembrance Sunday this weekend, broadcaster Angela Rippon gave a moving address in London to commemorate animals who have served in war.

Angela spoke at the Animals in War Memorial service on Friday 7 November 2025 on behalf of working animal charity Brooke(1), which recognises the vital role of horses, donkeys and mules who served and suffered alongside soldiers in past conflict.

During the First World War alone, an estimated eight million horses, donkeys and mules lost their lives(2) – exposed to shellfire, gas attacks, exhaustion and disease.

Each November, Brooke pauses to honour these animals through its Every Horse Remembered campaign(3), remembering the millions who served in the past and illuminating the ongoing struggle of their lives globally today.

Angela said: “Remembering these courageous working horses, donkeys and mules honours their sacrifice and keeps their story alive. They were the silent soldiers of the war.

“By remembering them, we help ensure their modern-day descendants are treated with care and respect. Every act of remembrance can lead to real, lasting change.

“I’ve personally left a gift in my will to Brooke, so I can help give a lasting legacy of kindness for these animals who ask for nothing but give everything.”

At the service, Angela paid tribute to their courage and service, reminding the nation that remembrance should extend beyond the human cost of war.

In 1934, Brooke’s founder, Dorothy Brooke, was so moved by the suffering of ex-war horses she found in Egypt that she made it her life’s work to support them.

Today, 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules are still vital to communities in the world’s poorest regions. They carry water, food, and livelihoods - often in extreme heat or heavy loads.

Brooke works with owners, healthcare providers and policymakers to create lasting welfare for working animals and the people who rely on them.

(1) - https://www.thebrooke.org

(2) - https://www.thebrooke.org/get-involved/every-horse-remembered/war-horse-facts

Notes to Editor:

Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys is a U.K. based, global animal health and welfare charity that gives working horses, donkeys and mules a life worth living.

Over 100 million of these animals pull carts, carry goods and work the land, earning an income that around 600 million people rely on to put food on their tables, earn a living and send their children to school. Sadly, many of them are suffering, so Brooke works with owners, communities, service providers, governments and international organisations to make long lasting welfare improvements.

Brooke was founded in 1934 when Dorothy Brooke, a British woman, sought out war horses that had been left in Cairo after the First World War. With support from an appeal letter in the Morning Post newspaper, she set up the Old War Horse Memorial, which became Brooke, and expanded across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Website: www.thebrooke.org

Facebook: thebrookecharity

Instagram @thebrookecharity

TikTok @brookecharity

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