World Animal Day was started back in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence, Italy as a way of highlighting the plight of Earth’s numerous endangered species. Since then, it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life; and today, it is celebrated in countries throughout the world.
And October 4th was chosen as 'World Animal Day' since it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment.
World Animal Day is intended as a day of celebration for anyone in the world who cares about Earth’s animals: wild, domesticated, and pet. And it is not restricted to any one nationality, creed, religion, political belief, or ideology.
And since the official World Animal Day website was launched in 2003, the number of World Animal Day events taking place throughout the planet has increased every year.
All animal lovers on Earth are encouraged to use this special day to commemorate their love and respect for animals by doing something special today to highlight the importance of animals in our world.
And it’s a celebration of animals that everyone can participate in, whether they are part of an animal welfare organization, group, or as an individual.
Last year, I participated in a Letter of Support for World Animal Day by writers and artists:
This year, I’m participating in fund raising efforts for a local animal shelter that is now overflowing with foreclosed pets in desperate need of new homes.
The MISSION STATEMENT of WORLD ANIMAL DAY
- To celebrate earth’s animal life in all its forms
- To celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom
- To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives – from being our companions, to supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives
- To acknowledge, and be thankful for, the ways in which animals enrich our lives
On the website linked below, you can find events going on in your own area to celebrate World Animal Day.
And there is no better time than today, World Animal Day, to begin your resolve to get more involved in some sort of fashion in honoring, and respecting, and becoming an advocate and spokesman for, the many diverse forms of life we human beings are privileged to share this planet with.
It’s also a great day to begin teaching the youngsters in your life something educational about animals, and how they truly do enrich all of our lives, every single day.
Will You Join Us?
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