World Animal Day: History, Importance, Facts; All You Need To Know

World Animal Day, also known as World Creature Animal Welfare Day or World Animal Protection Day is celebrated every year to highlight compassionate and humane treatment of a diverse number of species who are responsible for maintaining the ecological balance of our planet.

World Animal Day: History & Significance

History

World Animal Day was coined by Heinrich Zimmerman who is the writer and publisher of German magazine “Mensch und Hund” (Man and Dog). In 1925 he organised the world’s first of its kind World Animal Day at the Sports Palace in Berlin, which was attended by over 5000 people. In 1931, Zimmerman’s proposal to observe October 4 as World Creature Day received a go-ahead, which in turn was accepted as a resolution during the International Animal Protection Congress in Italy's Florence.

Significance

World Animal Day is celebrated across the world on October 4 to shed light on the issue of animal rights and welfare. The day embraces the role of humans in ending cruelty against animals while encouraging everyone to make this planet a better place for all the living beings. Interestingly, the day also commemorates the feast of Francis of Assisi, who is believed to be the patron saint of ecology and animals, according to the Christian beliefs.

What’s the theme for 2024?

According to World Animal Day’s official website, this year’s theme is “Great or small, love them all”.

How can you celebrate World Animal Day?

1.Volunteer

In a bid to get a true picture of wildlife, we can spend our precious time at an animal shelter or a wildlife rehabilitation center. This decision can play a significant role in transforming the lives of various animals.

2.Support cruelty-free brands

To contribute to the welfare of animals, one must encourage others in purchasing those products, which are ethical and adhere to cruelty-free practices.

3.Support Veganism

To see the real impact of the concerned day, we can encourage others to adhere to a vegan diet for a day. This move will reduce the demand for animal-based products.

4.Organise a fundraiser

People can organise a fundraiser for a relevant cause and dedicate the earnings to reputable animal welfare organisations.

Interesting facts about animals

1.Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dogs who can reach a top speed 45 mph

2.A newborn kangaroo is equal to the size of Lima bean (in Hindi it’s called Sem Phali)

3.Polar bears have a black skin colour. In fact, due to their transparent and hollow fur, it can appear in various colours including yellow, gray, orange and even green

4.Starfish don’t have a brain

5.A 2-inch rope of spider silk is capable enough to stop Boeing 747

Now, here’s a glimpse of organisations that are playing a key role in protecting animal rights

1.People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Founded by animal rights activist Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco in 1980, the nonprofit organisation aims to end abusive treatment of animals and promotes dignified treatment of living organisms. Currently the largest animal rights organisation in the world, it houses close to 9 million members and supporters globally.

2.World Animal Protection

Founded in 1981, the organisation aims at ending animal cruelty, the charity’s mission is to create a better environment for animals by protecting them. The non profit organisation is governed by 13 trustees holding proficiency in diverse backgrounds.

3.Humane Society of the United States (HUSUS)

The Humane Society of the United States (HUSUS) is one of the world’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organisations in the world with close to 10 million members globally. It was founded in 1954 by former members of the American Humane Society. The members intended to advocate for animal welfare via resources, which were beyond the scope of local and state organisations. Notably, the organisation has been instrumental in passing the Humane Slaughter Act in 1958, which aims at protecting food animals during slaughter in the United States.

4.Federation of Indian Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO)

It’s an organisation based in India with more than 80 members to its name. Spread across 40 cities, the organisation facilitates in taking care of all the animals by liberating them, thereby ensuring a life free of exploitation and suffering. FIAPO along with its fellow member organisations has been instrumental in stopping the country's first mega dairy, which was proposed to be set up with 40,000 cows.