Dogs who served in wartime will be commemorated and immortalised through the naming of a popular dog park under a proposal for community input.  

Council has endorsed a proposal from Forestville RSL Sub-Branch to name the enclosed off-leash dog area at Forestville War Memorial Playing Fields the Purple Poppy Dog Park and has invited the community to have their say.

“While Australia has a proud history of commemorating and recognising those brave servicemen and women who have given their lives to protect our county, their four-legged comrades are often forgotten,” Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said.

“The purple poppy commemorates the deeds and sacrifices of animals in wartime. The purple poppy is worn alongside the traditional red poppy to remind us of the sacrifice animals made and continue to make.”

The purple poppy was introduced by the Australia War Animal Memorial Organisation in 2013. The non-profit organisation aims to recognise the deeds of animals during military service.

Purple poppies are worn on the National Day for War Animals in Australia on 24 February.

Horses, dogs and carrier pigeons served in past wars, but these days its primarily dogs that are deployed.

“From guard dogs to explosive detection dogs, these furry friends bravely served Australia,” Mayor Regan said.

“Lest we forget our four-legged companions who served alongside our diggers.”

You can have your say on the proposed dog park name on Your Say from Friday 6 May.