JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

July 2007

ANIMALS IN TIMES OF CONFLICT - A DISPLAY DEDICATED TO THE SPECIAL ROLE OF ANIMALS AT WAR

On 5^th August 2007, the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter would like to invite members of the public to visit a special display focusing on the plight of animals in the Channel Island of Jersey during the World War Two Occupation from 1940 to 1945 and the role of the Animals’ Shelter at that time.  There will also be the opportunity to see some military vehicles, (from the Jersey Military Vehicle Club), which will be on display at the site of this special exhibition – some lucky people may even be able to ride in the back of a military truck!

Primarily with education in mind, a one day only display to highlight the role of animals involved in war has been organised by the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, especially focusing on the plight of animals in the Channel Island of Jersey during the World War Two Occupation from 1940 to 1945 and the role of the Animals’ Shelter in helping to safeguard the health and welfare of the animals remaining on the Island at that time.  It is hoped that this event will also show that in times of battles, it is not just the soldiers and civilians who suffer, but that animals often become involved in the conflict too.  Both pets and farm animals can suffer hugely in the wake of military devastation.

The aim of this project is that not only will it highlight animal issues specifically in the Channel Islands during the WW2 Occupation, but that it will also provide a wonderful opportunity to emphasize the remarkable work that animals have undertaken, and are still undertaking, during times of conflict, for example the sniffer dogs used for mine detection or the work of the rescue dogs in identifying survivors in collapsed buildings.

This special display can be visited between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 5^th August 2007 at its location next to the Jersey War Tunnels car park.

ENDS