World Animal Day was started in 1931 at a convention of
ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of
endangered species. Since then it has grown to encompass all kinds
of animal life and is widely celebrated in countries throughout the
world. October 4 was chosen as World Animal Day as it is the Feast
Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
It is intended as a day of celebration for anyone in the world who
cares about animals. It is not restricted to any one nationality,
creed, religion, political belief or ideology.
Launched in the UK on 4 October 2003. organisations, groups, animal
shelters, places of worship, schools, clubs and individuals who
participated in what was to become an annual event, quite simply,
helped make history.
