World Animal Day

World Animal Day was observed on October 4th, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Started in Florence Italy in 1931 at a convention of ecologists, World Animal Day has since expanded its focus from its original intent, which was to bring attention to endangered or threatened species. The day is now set aside as a time to reflect on all of the animals we share this world with, and our involvement with them - and to spur action to commemorate that respectful relationship. Half the world’s mammals are declining in population and more than a third are probably threatened with extinction, according to an update of of the Red List (an inventory of biodiversity issued by the IUCN), released on October 6, 2008.

MISSION: TO RAISE THE STATUS OF ANIMALS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE WELFARE STANDARDS AROUND THE GLOBE

To achieve this, we encourage animal welfare organisations, community groups, youth and children’s clubs, businesses and individuals to organise events in celebration of World Animal Day. Involvement is growing at an astonishing rate and it’s now widely accepted and celebrated in a variety of different ways in many countries, with no regard to nationality, religion, faith or political ideology.

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. Building the celebration of World Animal Day mobilises people for action now for a better future for animals.

Source: worldanimalday.org.uk | archive.boston.com