World Animal Day or World Animal Welfare Day is celebrated every year on 4th October, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, who was known as the patron saint of animals.
This day is an international day dedicated to the action for animal welfare and rights. The motive of this day is to raise the states of animals and improve their welfare.
Aim
The main aim of this Animal Day is raising the status of animals and hence improving welfare standards across the globe.”
As stated on the World Animal Day website, the mission of Animal Day is “Building the celebration of Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for every animal.”
It also adds, “irrespective of religion, nationality, faith, or political ideology, every country celebrates this day in their own way. With increased awareness and education we can create a world where animals are always recognized as sentient beings and full regard is always paid to their welfare.”
Animal Day: History
This day is origins in 1925, when cynologist Heinrich Zimmermann conducted the first event on 24th March at the Sports Palace, Berlin. More than 5000 people have attended this event, which was originally scheduled for 4th October, to align the Saint Francis of Assisi’s fest.
Because of the unavailability of venue for 4th October, the celebrations were moved to 24th March for the following year.
In the next following years, the day was marked on 4th October. Today, World Animal welfare Day is a global event that unites animal organizations and animal protection movements across various countries.
Now, the global celebrations are led by a UK-based animal welfare charity named Naturewatch Foundation.
World Animal Welfare Day: Significance
This Day is very significant because “the celebration of this day call up people for action now for a better future of animals.”
As per worldanimalday.org.uk, social movements have always been major tools to draw ordinary people’s attention to politics and other key points for social reform and justice.
As the animals’ lives are profoundly affected by the actions of businesses and humans, therefore, it is essential to establish effective animal control programs across the globe.
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