World Animal Day is on 4th October...

The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it World Animal Day, which falls on the 4^th October every year. 


Make a pledge to help animals

The Day was started back in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence.  They wanted to highlight the plight of endangered species.  They chose 4^th October because it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The Day gives us all an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to animals, and the people who love and respect them. Back in 2003, the Naturewatch Foundation launched World Animal Day’s website.

Events take place all over the world – you can organise an event or attend one.   And check out the Pledgeboard.  You have the chance to make a pledge to help animals in whatever way you choose. 

Reading the pledgeboard and the things individuals pledge to do is a wonderful reminder of the tremendous things people are doing to help animals around the world.   

Even if you choose not to make a pledge on the pledgeboard, it's worth having a look at it.  There are people of all ages and nationalities pledging to make a difference.  There are people from India, Thailand, the UK, the US, Switzerland, Italy – the list goes on and on, and it’s good to know that so many people want to help in a positive way.  Crucially, there are teachers pledging to teach children and young people about the importance of caring for animals properly and treating them with respect. 

There are lots of resources on the website, including things for you to check out if you have your own website or blog.  Plus you can use their search button to dig out events taking place near you. 

The event is growing year on year, and it’s wonderful to see so many events taking place around the world to help celebrate animals and help them.  An example is that organised by the Zanzibar Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZSPCA).  They are holding free rabies vaccination clinics and a General Free Rural Animal Clinic for all animals at the end of September to the start of October.

Visit World Animal Day's website here.