The world is taking some time to acknowledge our love of animals today.  October 4th is World Animal Day 2017.  Hug your pets and remember what you love about them, however, today goes beyond that.  From the event’s website:

To raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe.  Building the celebration of World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals.  It’s celebrated in different ways in every country, irrespective of nationality, religion, faith, or political ideology.  Through increased awareness and education we can create a world where animals are always recognized as sentient beings and full regard is always paid to their welfare.

WorldAnimalDay.org.uk

You see it on the television, in the newspaper, on social media; animals are often treated with disregard, hate, or fear.  You may have experienced it first hand.  Did you see something wrong? More importantly…did you do anything about it?

Today we celebrate animals.  The ones waiting for you at home, in the stable, flying free, swimming the sea, and roaming wild. Join the global celebration!  Check out what some countries are doing in celebration of today (and this weekend):

First, add your PLEDGE to animal welfare to join hands with animal lovers around the world!

• Spain, Fuerteventura: Three day event with talks focusing around Pets, Turtles, and Endangered Species.  There will also be a food collection for cat and dog charities.
• Singapore: “Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors” An educational and family fun event with face painting.
• Hungary, Székesfehérvár: “Lights for the Animals” 10/7:  Educational event with some friendly competition for kids; evening will end with a walk, a fire, and a light artist.
• Italy, Florence: 10/7 – A day full of planned activities including a walk with dogs

• South Africa, Johannesburg: Animal Anti-Cruelty League is running an effort to vaccinate as many pets as possible against rabies.

• Taiwan, Taipei: Over 30 animal and environmental agencies are banding together to celebrate today bringing education, games for children, a painting contest, and a free pet adoption event.

• India, Siliguri: Program featuring talks, introducing artificial birds nests, and a wildlife film show
• Brazil, Sao Paolo:  A street festival featuring an adoption clinic, vegan foods, music, vendors, and environmentally friendly products
• Malaysia – Kota Samarahan: ‘Sarawac Biodiversity Evening’ Half-day program with Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation to feature workshops, exhibits, speed-talks, and the worlds largest amphibian stamp collection
• Kenya, Nairobi: “Animal Welfare Conference” (10/2-10/3) theme of the conference is the “Nexus between animal welfare, environment and development: Safeguarding our common destiny”
• United Kingdom, Southhampton: 10/7 Celebration to bring a  bake sale, crafts, face painting, quizzes, raffle, costume contest
• United Kingdon, Hitchin: 09/30 for £70 and donations of at least £325 you can skydive in a sponsored 10,000ft freefall to benefit Animal Free Research UK
  

  ---

---

What can YOU do TODAY to HELP animals?

• DONATE to a charity that supports animals
  • To help guide you to a good charity use CharityNavigator.com which rates organizations to make sure your contribution is put to the best use. Some four star animal charities include:
    • Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) – International
    • Animal Legal Defense Fund
    • Last Chance for Animals
    • Catskill Animal Sanctuary
    • Habitat for Horses
• ADOPT a new pet (only if you have the means!)
  • Check out your local shelter
  • If you can’t adopt find out what supplies they need.
• HUG your pets!
• REPORT abuse
  • If you see something SAY something.  If there’s a dog in a hot car find the owner, or even dial 911.
  • If you see animal cruelty contact your local animal shelter
  • For more information visit www.ASPCA.org
• SPEAK for the animals that can’t speak for themselves
  • Check out the Advocacy Center to find some meaningful causes like Horse Slaughter, legislation to aid animals in disasters, or the ASPCA Horse action team

REMEMBER

Humans are animals too so treat each other with kindness and dignity as well!