World Animal Welfare Day
An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language
-Martin Buber
4 October 2018 is the World Animal Welfare Day. It is a day completely bestowed to the animal kingdom and the event rejoices animal life in all its forms. It was first started in 1931 at a conference of environmentalist in Florence, Italy. The intention of World Animal Day was to emphasize the dilemmas faced by endangered species.Gradually, the initiative grew in scope and later on included all forms of animal life. World Animal Day is celebrated in every corner of the globe. It takes place annually on 4 October, chosen as it is the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
World Animal Day commemorates the association between humanity and animal territory. Animals play a diverse assortment of role in our lives. They not just enhance our lives with their support and company; they also make us better human beings. It is a historical journey traveled together by humans and animals. The day gives us a reason to be part of something special. It is “a day for remembering and paying tribute to all animals and the people who love and respect them.”
The main areas of focus for World Animal Day are drawing attention to endangered species, protecting natural habitats, and supporting animal welfare. In India, a community has released indigenous birds, such as herons and egrets, into a clean and healthy environment.
The best part about World Animal day is that it is not restricted to any one nationality, creed, religion, political belief or ideology. This celebration is for those who care for animals and also for those who should care for these wonderful creations. Several organizations, animal welfare groups, schools, individuals, charitable trusts and clubs etc participate in Animal day celebration. With every passing year, number of events taking place on this day has increased substantially. The purpose is to ensure our active contributions in saving endangered species and care for all other kinds of animals. The occasion provides us a reason to unite the animal welfare movement all across the globe.
Events are organised under the World Animal Day Umbrella by being publicized on this website and advertised using the World Animal Day brand and logo. Global branding effectively ties all events together and, over the years we have found this approach to be particularly helpful to grass roots groups who struggle to attract media attention in order to raise awareness of their work and fundraise. This draws attention to animal issues and makes them front page news – a vital catalyst for change. Each year the logo becomes more widely recognized as a global brand for animals.
Participation in World Animal Day will continue to grow until it reaches and connects animal advocates in all corners of the world. It’s something that everyone can join in with, whether they are part of an organisation, group, or an individual. Wonderfully inspiring messages about World Animal Day from animal advocates around the world are regularly received.
Animal welfare campaigns are launched on World Animal Day. Rescue shelters for the animals are opened in different parts of the world. Fundraising events are also organized. Schools and different group of the wildlife arranges information displays. Voluntary organizations come forward to sponsor shelter to the animals. World Animal day is a wonderful reminder of different ways in which animals magnify our lives.
On this day, let us resolve to make our world livable to every living thing on the earth.
Contributor : Ms. Reshmi C Das, Dept. of Humanities, BIT.