Animal Warfare

Dogs were used in warfare even before the Roman Empire. The Romans would adorn their dogs with chain mail and spiked metal collars for protection while the dogs obediently adhered to attack formations made specifically for the dogs. Dogs were also used in logistics and communication during warfare. During World War I, dogs were utilised to pull carts laden with artillery, or the wounded. They were also used to carry messages during battle or to pull telephone lines from one place to another. In today’s warfare dogs are still very much utilised, however they are rarely used in front-line arrangement. The German Shepard is used, in the police force, for the detection of bombs, drugs or people trapped under rubble. Military Working dogs continue to serve as trackers, search and rescue scouts as well as mascots. Retired working dogs are often adopted as pets or are used as therapy dogs.