World
Animal Day (unofficially world animal lover day) is a celebratory cause and is
annually celebrated on the 4th of October. World Animal Day is
intended to benefit animals. The day is about invoking global concern towards
the plight of animals and to globally unite animal lovers. WAD is able to influence many
people and is a brand that unites the animal welfare movement.
It
provides a unique opportunity for everyone who cares about animals to show
their enduring support. On this special day, it is about drawing attention to
animal issues and making it front page news. This is an imperative catalyst for
change. It is about making the world a kinder, more compassionate place. It is
about raising important awareness among people about the ethical treatment of
animals. The day commemorates our love and respect for animals by highlighting
their importance. It is about sensitising communities by making them aware of
the needs of animals and how to improve their lives. It provides a central
platform to promote animal welfare issues and to facilitate and momentously
improves progress being made. All animals are celebrated, no matter what shape
or size, from an elephant to a mouse.
HISTORY
WAD
commenced as a result of an idea by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German publisher of
the magazine Mensch und Hund/Man and Dog. He organized the first World Animal
Day on 24 March 1925 in Berlin and moved it to 4 October in 1929. In May 1931 at
a congress of the world’s animal protection organizations held in Florence
Italy, his proposal to make 4 October World Animal Day universal, was
unanimously accepted. World Animal Day was particularly chosen to be on 4
October as it is the day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology,
including animals. Since 2003, the WAD animal protection movement is sponsored
by Naturewatch Foundation.
MISSION
WAD
is about globally improving welfare standards by raising the status of animals.
It is about uniting the animal welfare movement, mobilising it into an
international force in order to make the world a much better place for all
animals. WAD is about celebrating ALL animals and people’s relationship with
the animal kingdom. It also acknowledges the diverse roles that animals play in
our lives and to be grateful for animals as they enrich our lives. If an
increased awareness and education are utilised then we are able to create a
world where animals are treated with the utmost respect. It is about
establishing a world where there is a harmonious co-existence between people
and animals. Their ultimate aim is for people to continually participate until
WAD reaches and connects animal advocates in all corners of the world.
WHY CELEBRATE WORLD
ANIMAL DAY?
The
lives of animals are overwhelmingly affected by people and effective animal
protection is required. Building the celebration of World Animal Day mobilises
people for action now for a better future for animals. With the help of WAD, a fairer and
kinder place for living creatures has been established.
Because
of WAD people now understands the myriad reasons why we must take care of
animals. Being a voice
for animals is important because they do not have a way to advocate for their
own welfare.
With
its #WorldAnimalDay, there has been a significantly lasting contribution to
improve animal welfare standards. Its influence continues to grow
exceptionally.
HOW IS THIS DAY CELEBRATED?
This
day and its associated events are organised under the World Animal Day
Umbrella. It is also being publicised on www.worldanimalday.org.uk and advertised
using the WAD brand and logo. Fortunately, every year the WAD logo becomes more
broadly recognised as a global brand for animals. Everybody can join and be
part of this momentously memorable day. The last couple of years, involvement
in this particularly important day has grown exceptionally. WAD is celebrated by
a myriad of welfare organisations, businesses, individuals, schools, and
community groups, participating in different organisation in celebration of
this wonderfully important day.
Many
inspiring events are annually and globally held. You can participate in events
including awareness & educational, shelter open days & pet adoption
events; fundraising events such as concerts and sponsored walks through to gala
balls; conferences & workshops; school
events to teach the younger generation such as animal-related competitions,
concerts & film shows; spay
& neuter marathons and veterinary treatment camps; radio & TV
interviews to raise awareness of animal issues & World Animal Day and its
mission; fundraise for a local animal welfare organisation or charity that's
doing great work. Increased
awareness for adults and children to treat animals in a humane and
compassionate way. Also, peaceful protest marches can also be partaken in. Moreover,
donate tins of cat and dog food to local shelters or adopt an animal.
You
can also raise the status of animals by making use of social media to get this
important across, by using the #worldanimalday. You can publish a personal and
valuable pledge for the animals on the World Animal Day website.
No
matter the extent of your participation, large or small, it will help mobilise
people for action for a better future for animals.
The
message is clear: Animals matter! Be an animal advocate, every one of us can
make a difference. Together we make change happen. So get involved in this
great cause and show that you care!
REFERENCES
