As this year's Remembrance Sunday approaches, Animal Aid is distributing tens of thousands of its increasingly popular purple poppy.

Introduced five years ago, the purple poppy is specially produced to mark the terrible suffering animals endure as a consequence of human conflict. It can be worn alongside the traditional red or white ones as a reminder that both humans and animals have been – and continue to be – victims of war.

Throughout the history of human conflicts animals have been used as messengers, for detection, scouting and rescue as beasts of burden and on the frontline. They have been used for companionship in the trenches and continue to be subjected to warfare experiments in laboratories. Thousands of animals suffer and die each year in weapons research conducted in secret Ministry of Defence laboratories.

Although millions of animals have lost their lives as a result of human conflict, they are rarely mentioned in remembrance ceremonies.

As Animal Aid Head of Campaigns, Kate Fowler said: 'For years we have commemorated the human victims of war and overlooked the impact that worldwide conflicts have had on animals.

"Now, it's time to redress the balance. By wearing a purple poppy – alongside the traditional red one – we will finally be acknowledging that millions of animals have been drafted into conflicts not of their making and have lost their lives as a result. Remembering them is the least we can do.'

Purple poppies are available from Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1AW, priced £1, which includes post and packing.

A free copy of Animal Aid's booklet, Animals: the hidden victims of war, is available on request. Wreaths can also be purchased.

ANIMAL AID Tonbridge