2 Oct 2018

Weapons or soldiers? Do animals deserve protection in war?

From Nine To Noon, 9:36 am on 2 October 2018

Photo: NZDF

Currently there are no regulations protecting the way the likes of military dogs and horses should be treated when they're used in action or once they return.

The question of military animals' status and their well being is being researched by Waikato University's Dr Anna Marie Brennan who wants to see a law change.

The issue first caught her attention with the story of a British military dog named Colonel who was captured by the Taliban in 2014 and held as a prisoner of war.

Listen 13:51

Add to playlist

Military working dogs, were part of Exercise Black Diamond around Whanganui and Marton. Credit: NZDF

Marine Corps working dog Lucca injured in Afghanistan by an IED. Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel.

CPL Ben Langman and Explosive Detection Dog - Chuck. Credit: NZDF

'Colonel' accompanied British SAS troops working alongside fighters of the Afghan National Army during a mission in the area. He was then captured by the Taliban. Credit: youtube

A U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program dolphin named KDog, wearing a locating pinger, performed mine clearance work in the Persian Gulf during the Iraq War. Credit: Wikipedia

Wojtek the bear. Poland's 'soldier bear' , a four-legged private who served alongside soldiers in World War II is to be featured in a new film. Credit: Wikipedia

Sergeant Stubby was assigned to the 26th (Yankee) Division in World War I. He saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, found and comforted the wounded, and once caught a German soldier by the seat of his pants, holding him there until American soldiers found him. Credit: Wikipedia

Subscribe to Nine To Noon

Podcast (MP3) Oggcast (Vorbis)

Weapons or soldiers? Do animals deserve protection in war?

Recent stories from Nine To Noon

Get the RNZ app

Subscribe to Nine To Noon