4th October is observed as World Animal Welfare Day, a day, especially celebrated for animals to draw attention to animal issues and make the front page news – an avital catalyst for change. This day calls for action on numerous causes regarding animals like their rights, welfare, etc.
October 4th is chosen in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who was an animal lover and patron saint for animals, his feast day falls on this day.
History
WorldAnimal Welfare Day was started by Heinrich Zimmermann. He organized the first-ever World Animal Welfare Day on 24 March 1925 at Sports Palace located in Berlin, German. In this event, over 5,000 people were present.
Initially, it was scheduled for 4 Oct to align with Saint Francis of Assisi feast day, but on that very day, the venue wasn't available. And for the first time, World Animal Day was moved to 4 Oct in 1929.
In the starting phase, Heinrich had got following in only Czechoslovakia, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. Every year, he worked hard to promote World Animal Day.
Eventually, in May 1931 while he was at the ISAR Congress in Florence, Italy, Zimmermann's proposal to make 4 Oct World Animal Day internationally get reorganization and was adopted as a resolution.
World Animal Day is celebrated globally with a great focus on the animal protection movement. This movement is led and sponsored by the UK-based animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation.
The major objective of this day is to raise awareness of general issues that are affecting animals and to mobilize people around the world to support change at different levels. This celebration begins with the promise that as a group we are stronger and will face animal issues all across the world.
It is a perfect way to unite the animal welfare movement on globally, embracing all animals and the unique concerns of each in every country, there were numerous reasons that cause the origin of the day, especially for animals.
Some primary reasons include bad treatment given to the world's 60 billion farm animals, negligence of stray dogs and cats, and illegal selling of wild animals. One more important factor that is animals is kept out of mind when any natural disasters or calamities happen.
So what you are waiting for, get involved and show you care about animals!
It doesn't important how big or small your event is, it is getting involved that's remarkable. To provide you an idea of the types of events that are held on World Animal Welfare Day include:
Educational and awareness programs
Shelters are open
Pet Adoption Programmes
Workshops and Seminars
Peaceful protest marches to raise awareness of a specific animal welfare
Concerts, shelter open days, and different programs to raise funds for animals
Many schools, colleges, and institutions organize events to educate the young generation through animal-related competitions, concerts, and film shows.
