Did you know that 36% of all species on earth are at risk of extinction (IS Foundation)? Did you know that many of the world’s 60 billion farm animals are not treated humanely? Can they be saved? Join the World Animal Day on the 4th of October and speak up for those who have no voice! As human beings, we are neighbors, roommates, and friends to all the animals of the world, and it’s our responsibility to help protect them so that their future generations can grow and thrive.
World Animal Day is celebrated each year on October the 4th. It started in Florence, Italy in 1931 at a convention of ecologists. On this day, animal life in all its forms is celebrated, and special events are planned in locations all over the globe. The 4th of October was originally chosen for World Animal Day because it is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, a nature lover and patron saint of animals and the environment.
Animal blessings are held in churches, synagogues, and by independent animal chaplains in parks and fields. Animal rescue shelters hold fundraising events and open days, wildlife groups organize information displays, schools undertake animal-related project work and individuals and groups of friends or co-workers donate to animal charities or pledge to sponsor a shelter animal.
The History of World Animal Day
The day started modestly almost 100 years ago, but today, the movement is a global force to make the world a better place for all animals. We thought you might be interested in a few facts about this annual celebration of the animals we love. The first World Animal Day took place on March 24, 1925, in the Sports Palace in Berlin, Germany.
in 1929, World Animal Day was celebrated for the first time on October 4, the day it was originally intended to be. The feast day is the customary day for Catholic and Anglican churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals. Francis of Assisi believed that nature was the “mirror of God.” He called all creatures his “brothers” and sisters,” and even preached to the birds.
According to the website of World Animal Day, the annual celebration hopes to improve the welfare of animals around the globe. The goal: “Involvement is growing at an astonishing rate and it’s now widely accepted and celebrated in a variety of different ways in many countries, with no regard to nationality, religion, faith or political ideology.”
Initially, the day was celebrated by people in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Czechoslovakia, but in May 1931, at a meeting of the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy, Zimmerman’s was unanimously accepted and adopted as a resolution.
World Animal Day in The Modern Age
On Oct. 4th, #WorldAnimalDay trends on social media all over the world; more than 1,000 events are held every year. All over social media and the internet, you’ll be able to learn about issues affecting animals around the globe and what you can do to help.
On World Animal Day, thousands of animal welfare organizations, youth clubs, businesses, community groups, and individuals come together to raise awareness for their work and fundraise in support of causes ranging from care of working animals to conservation of endangered tigers and habitat loss. During this unifying day, organizations and supporters can connect, share information and experiences, and further expand awareness.
Countless celebrities including actors, poets, artists, models, and musicians have pledged their support and build awareness among their fans through social media and public appearances. Getting involved is easy – www.worldanimalday.org.uk offers resources such as posters, links to their social media, and a global diary of annual events. The site also provides a Model Animal Welfare Act incorporating best practices in the field and offering an example template, offering a framework for advocates to bring to their local government.
From whales to hamsters, and every animal in between they all deserve our respect and protection. Let’s honor them and celebrate world animal day on October 4th!
Do you have an animal in your life that you love? Here at Main St. Vets, our goal is to make sure they have the best medical care. We want to be your new vet.
If you’re looking for a new vet, decided you’ll adopt a new furry friend on World Animal Day, or have any other needs we can help. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to meeting you and your animals!
