Every year on October 4th, animal lovers from every country celebrate World Animal Day. World Animal Day is the celebration of animal life in every form, started in Florence Italy in 1931 by a group of ecologists at a convention, it’s original purpose was to bring awareness to threatened and endangered species. It is celebrated on October 4th because that day is the feasting day reserved for Saint Francis of Assisi. If the name of Saint Francis does not sound familiar to you, you may recognize him in statue form. Statues of him are often placed in gardens where he sits with upturned palms full of birdseed. Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Wood Statue of Saint Francis of Assisi

In the early years, churches would reserve the Sunday closest to the 4th for the “Blessing of the Animals” which is still done today, at least in Los Angeles. 81 years after it’s creation, World Animal Day has become less secular and is celebrated by Animal Welfare Groups, Animal Shelters, Wildlife Groups, Charities and Schools. It is a day to reflect on our relationships with all the animals on the planet and how we care for them. It is a day to raise awareness about the plight of endangered animals and perhaps for us to make a little room in our mind about how we can improve things for them. Here at Found Animals, we will be working away on our mission, raising awareness and providing resources for pet adoption, pet care, spay & neuter and identification. All these things go together to help keep cats and dogs out of animals shelters.

Blessing of the Animals 2011

Today a range of special activities are happening all over the world in honor of World Animal Day. In Palestine, the Hala Animal Welfare Association is going around with their mobile veterinarian unit, providing medical care for cats, dogs and horses. In Kosovo, Animal Friends of Kosovo continues on with their many programs, including their efforts to persuade the municipality of Prishna to stop shooting street dogs and instead Capture, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release, like we do with our feral cats.

Taganga Street Dogs

In Cypress, 10 cents from every purchase of Whiskas and Pedigree products goes to help animals in animal shelters in Cypress. In Washington D.C, The National Geographic Museum has a whole day of fun activities planned for kids, including what looks like will be an awesome exhibit “From Tails to Toepads” featuring 70+ live geckos.

Endangered Wellington Green Gecko

Do you have any plans for World Animal Day?

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