Marking World Animal Day by Improving the Welfare Standards for Animals

They come in all shapes, sizes and even colours. They love us unconditionally and are our cohabiters on Earth. That is why Oct. 4 is dedicated as World Animal Day in an effort to raise awareness on improving welfare standards for animals.

Originating in 1925 by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German writer, and publisher, World Animal Day is now organized by a UK-based animal welfare charity. The World Animal Day team has 92 ambassadors working in 74 countries around the world to bring about change for animals.

Events are scheduled throughout the world leading up to Oct. 4 and throughout the month to raise awareness on various efforts to eliminate animal cruelty.

“Throughout history, social movements like World Animal Day have been key in fighting for social justice and reform, with ground-breaking laws being passed in response. The lives of animals are profoundly affected by the actions of individuals, businesses and nations. It’s, therefore, essential that, as sentient beings, their rightful status as recipients of social justice is established and translated into effective animal protection,” stated a World Animal Day press release.

The organization suggests different ways individuals can be active on Oct. 4 like de-cluttering and holding a garage sale with the proceeds going to an animal charity; going litter picking to eliminate hazards for animals; and creating awareness on social media using the #WorldAnimalDay.

Here in Canada, Parliament is currently debating over a new bill to increase the welfare standard for animals and is and provides an opportunity for Canadian animal lovers to voice their opinions.

Bill C-246, which was introduced earlier this year by Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, called for a ban on shark fin import, tougher rules against animal fighting and abusive puppy mills and the prohibition against sale of dog and cat fur, which is often imported on clothing from foreign countries and labeled as faux fur.

However, the bill met with staunch opposition, and a revised version was read out in Parliament last week. The revised version takes out the proposal to remove animal cruelty laws out of the property section of the criminal code and the ban against killing animals “brutally or viciously.”

The bill goes for a second reading vote on Oct. 6.

To make a personal pledge to do your part for animals or to learn more visit the World Animal Day website