World Animal Day 2021: History, Significance, Aim and Theme
October 4th is the feast day of the patron saint of animals named Francis of Assisi. In 1925, this day was commemorated for the first time, by cynologist (one who studies dogs) Heinrich Zimmermann (also a German writer and magazine publisher) to focus on the condition of animals around the world and unite mankind towards their conservation (both in the wild and the domestic spheres). Since then, 4th of October has been celebrated at World Animal Day, popularly known as Animal Lovers Day.
History of World Animal Day
On 24th March 1925, cynologist Zimmermann had organised an event dedicated to animals in Sports Palace, Berlin which was attended by more than 5000 people from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Switzerland. This event was initially scheduled for 4th October to fall in line with the feast day of Francis of Assisi.
Few years later, in 1931, during a conference of the World Protection Organisation in Florence, Italy, this day attained its global significance and came to be known as World Animal Day.
Fast forward to 2002, Animal Protection Associations of Finland also started celebrating the day by making school students a part of it.
In 2019, 56 countries came together to celebrate this day, including India.
Significance of World Animal Day
World Animal Day emphasizes on the protection of animals worldwide and create awareness about the same among individuals and society as a whole. This day is also known as Animal Lovers Day as it focusses on animal rights and the fact that human behaviour, like love, care and nurturing can go a long way in safeguarding animals if people and organizations around the world unite for the cause.
Aim of World Animal Day
The main objective behind World Animal Day is to reduce the plight of animals globally and also strive to improve their welfare initiative worldwide. This day is also about making the world a better and secured place for them and unite mankind for animal welfare movements.
Every country celebrates this day differently. However, the aim is one and the same: Stopping cruelty against animals and to treating them with compassion. The goal is to educate and make people aware of the role of animals in an ecosystem and recognise them as living beings deserving all the love, care and importance in the world, with the main focus always being on their welfare.
Theme of World Animal Day
Formerly, this day’s theme was decided as “Man and Dog.” However, over the years, the theme has undergone massive change as now it’s all about focussing on the welfare of all living beings alike. It is also about the relationship shared between humans and animals with the former ensuring a better and safe environment for the latter. As such, this day is a gentle reminder of the civic duties of human beings towards animals.