Calls for more recognition for Australia's war animals, including pension for war dogs

There was a time when no war dogs were repatriated back to Australia after service. (Supplied: Susan Gordon-Brown )

Animals have a long history of being sent to battlefields to act in many different roles, and have saved countless human lives. 

Dogs were deployed overseas to sniff out the enemy, find fallen soldiers and send messages to the frontline, while cats were common in the trenches and aboard ships to provide comfort to troops and prevent disease outbreaks by hunting rats and mice.