MISSION
STATEMENT - WORLD ANIMAL DAY
To celebrate animal life in all its
forms
To celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal
kingdom
To acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives
– from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing
a sense of wonder into our lives
To acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals
enrich our lives.
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
participated in what was to become an annual event and, quite
simply, helped make history!
Since the official World Animal Day website was launched in
2003, the number of World Animal Day events taking place throughout
the world has increased year upon year and with your help we can
ensure the trend continues.
And that is the aim of this website, to encourage everybody to
use this special day to commemorate their love and respect for
animals by doing something special to highlight the importance of
animals in the world.