The 4th of October is recognised as World Animal Day. The aim of this special day is “to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe.”
The celebration of World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilising it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Dr Anton Refalo, in a facebook post for the occasion said, “we usually commemorate this day with a number of initiatives, but unfortunately the scheduled one had to be cancelled for this year.”
However, he said that there are still interesting initiatives that are planned and will be talked about during this week in order to further raise awareness about animal protection and ensure that respect for animals is not diminished.
Dr Refalo added, “let’s continue to love, show respect and create the best environment for the animals we raise among us.”
The history of World Animal Day goes back as far as 1925 when Heinrich Zimmermann organised the first celebration in Berlin.
He was the publisher of a German animal lovers’ magazine – Man and Dog – launched the event to raise awareness and improve the welfare of animals.
October the 4th is also the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of animals. Beloved among all Catholics, Saint Francis was recognised for his remarkable way with animals and all living things and many churches offer blessings to pets and livestock on this day.