The Sun's tribute to the great racehorseWhen much-loved jump-racing horse Desert Orchid died this week he was described as one of the bravest racehorses of all time, but can animals be brave?
The Sun's tribute to the great racehorseWhen much-loved jump-racing horse Desert Orchid died this week he was described as one of the bravest racehorses of all time, but can animals be brave?
Even the Queen was said to be in mourning when the death of racehorse Desert Orchid was announced this week.
Even the Queen was said to be in mourning when the death of racehorse Desert Orchid was announced this week.
The legendary grey, known affectionately as Dessie, was a firm favourite of the Royal Family and played a starring role in a pageant to mark the Queen Mother's 100th birthday.
The legendary grey, known affectionately as Dessie, was a firm favourite of the Royal Family and played a starring role in a pageant to mark the Queen Mother's 100th birthday.
Praised as one of the best racehorses of all time, he was also described as the bravest. But can an animal be brave?
Praised as one of the best racehorses of all time, he was also described as the bravest. But can an animal be brave?
Selfless
Selfless
The armed forces think so. They award the Dickin Medal - also known as the animals' Victoria Cross - for gallantry. It has been given to 60 animals who have done something outside the normal range of animal behaviour.
The armed forces think so. They award the Dickin Medal - also known as the animals' Victoria Cross - for gallantry. It has been given to 60 animals who have done something outside the normal range of animal behaviour.
There is Rob the parachuting dog. He was dropped behind enemy lines with his SAS unit in World War II to watch over the exhausted men as they slept in-between carrying out their undercover operations.
There is Rob the parachuting dog. He was dropped behind enemy lines with his SAS unit in World War II to watch over the exhausted men as they slept in-between carrying out their undercover operations.
WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines
WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines
He made over 20 descents during his time with units in north Africa and Italy.
He made over 20 descents during his time with units in north Africa and Italy.
Other examples include horses riding into the line of fire and dogs being shot at as they go into a battle field to rescue their master.
Other examples include horses riding into the line of fire and dogs being shot at as they go into a battle field to rescue their master.
But are such actions a conscious and selfless conquering of fears or simply an evolutionary instinct?
But are such actions a conscious and selfless conquering of fears or simply an evolutionary instinct?
It is a tough question, says Juliet Gardener, author of The Animals' War. Talk about the bravery of animals in war is more a case of anthropomorphism, where human attributes are given to an animal, she says.
It is a tough question, says Juliet Gardener, author of The Animals' War. Talk about the bravery of animals in war is more a case of anthropomorphism, where human attributes are given to an animal, she says.
"We know the animals are involved in a man-made war. They don't want to be there, but have no choice. We talk of them being brave because we are the ones making them suffer. It makes us feel better."
"We know the animals are involved in a man-made war. They don't want to be there, but have no choice. We talk of them being brave because we are the ones making them suffer. It makes us feel better.
Belief
Belief
"When humans go into a burning house to save a child trapped inside, they act on instinct. But in that split second they also weigh up the odds and decide the child's life is the most important thing. I don't think animals can make that sort of moral decision."
"When humans go into a burning house to save a child trapped inside, they act on instinct. But in that split second they also weigh up the odds and decide the child's life is the most important thing. I don't think animals can make that sort of moral decision."
It is definitely a human trait to ascribe all sorts of complex human concepts to other animals, says James Kirkwood, scientific director at the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW).
It is definitely a human trait to ascribe all sorts of complex human concepts to other animals, says James Kirkwood, scientific director at the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW).
Often this has nothing to do with scientific research, but is based on what human's believe to be true. This can be detrimental to the animal.
Often this has nothing to do with scientific research, but is based on what human's believe to be true. This can be detrimental to the animal.
Lassie: Humans are happy to ascribe bravery to other creatures"Bravery might be something important to humans but it wouldn't come top of an animal's list," says Mr Kirkwood.
Lassie: Humans are happy to ascribe bravery to other creatures"Bravery might be something important to humans but it wouldn't come top of an animal's list," says Mr Kirkwood.
Yet animals are conscious of danger and often perceive it quicker than humans, says Dr Maya Braem, from the department of biological sciences at Lincoln University.
Yet animals are conscious of danger and often perceive it quicker than humans, says Dr Maya Braem, from the department of biological sciences at Lincoln University.
"As to the bravery of animals, I think it is something that is more based on belief rather than being something that can actually be proved.
"As to the bravery of animals, I think it is something that is more based on belief rather than being something that can actually be proved.
"They can be fearful and anxious of things. If a horse overcomes its fear of water some might consider that brave. There are probably lots of pet owners out there who believe their animals are brave."
"They can be fearful and anxious of things. If a horse overcomes its fear of water some might consider that brave. There are probably lots of pet owners out there who believe their animals are brave."
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