World Animal Day 2019
World animal Day will be celebrated on October 4th. It was implemented to champion the rights of all animals around the world. Some of the more domesticated animals are indeed man’s best friend and offer us much love and companionship. Therefore it is only right to dedicate a special day for their well-being.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF WORLD ANIMAL DAY?
World Animal Day was originated by Heinrich Zimmermann, the German writer and publisher. The event was originally scheduled to take place on October 4th to coincide with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Initially Mr. Zimmermann’s initiative was followed in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia. However, he worked tirelessly on the promotion of World Animal Day and finally in May 1931 at a congress of the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy, his proposal to make October 4th, World Animal Day universally, was unanimously accepted and adopted as a resolution.
WHAT IS ITS MISSION?
The mission of World Animal Day is: “To raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe. Building the celebration of World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals. It is celebrated in different ways in every country, irrespective of nationality, religion, faith or political ideology. Through 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.”
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS WORLD ANIMAL DAY?
As children we do a lot to raise awareness for animals; they bring us a lot of joy and it is our responsibility to keep them safe and sound. Here are some things you can bring into action:
Have assemblies in school and spread the word that man’s actions are affecting the lives of our country’s animals. Through deforestation and man-made pollution, our animals’ homes are destroyed every day and it is up to us to make a difference.
Contribute towards animal shelters, through book sales, bake-a-thons or other charitable outlets and contribute the money collected.
Information is vital, and screening films, having presentations or even putting up little shows will help to highlight the plight of animals.
You can do something individually as well, by contributing your time at animal shelters or helping to clean up the beaches, therefore helping to keep the homes of our sea creatures safe for them.
As citizens of this planet we have to take responsibility for our actions. Increased awareness will lead the way to improved standards of animal welfare throughout the world. Be proactive; Empower; Educate; Collaborate. Be a part of something special to celebrate all the animals of the world!