World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4th. There are 8.7 million species of animals on the planet. We celebrate World Animal Day to contribute to the protection of these species!

History of World Animal Day:
Cynologist Heinrich Zimmermann created World Animal Day. He organised the first World Animal Day on March 24th, 1925, at the Sports Palace in Berlin, Germany. Over 5,000 people attended this first event. The activity was originally scheduled for October 4th, to align with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. However, the venue was not available on that day. The event was then moved to October 4th for the first time in 1929. In May 1931, at the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy, Zimmermann’s proposal to make October 4th World Animal Day globally was unanimously accepted and adopted as a resolution.

How to Celebrate World Animal Day:
Stand up for Animals - World Animal Day is a perfect time for humans to speak on behalf of animals who cannot speak for themselves. Speak up by arranging to host an event at work in support of animals, attending group meetings about animal welfare in the community, or sharing about the care for animals on social media to raise awareness.

Make Animal-Friendly Purchases - To get into the celebratory mood on October 4th, people are encouraged to consider how their economic and purchasing habits impact animals. Here are some of the simplest switches many people are making on World Animal Day:
- Look for PETA or Leaping Bunny certifications.
- Go for vegan products.
- Eat less meat.

Volunteer to Help Animals - Many people should get involved in animal welfare. This day could be a catalyst for making a commitment to volunteer at a local animal shelter or another organisation that effectively protects and cares for animals in the community.

Spread Awareness On Social Media - Using #WorldAnimalDay, share a picture of your furry pet. Or perhaps, like one of my dear friends (not to name names, but I’m talking about Hazel Emory Antler), you have a fondness for insects, particularly mantises. Go ahead and snap a photo; I’m not stopping you!

I am personally very fond of animals because they provide me with comfort. Bunnies, in particular, are incredibly cute and cuddly! If I had my way, I would probably own about ten of them. However, that is unfortunately not the case.

Well, that’s all for World Animal Day. I hope you had fun reading it. Flip the page for more (there are some very fun stories up ahead!) Bye!

Written by Marlee Potter.
Edited by Marietta Oizys.
Proofread by Daphne Clarke.