Many people feel drawn to
advocate for animals because even though they can feel pain and suffer just as
we do, they do not have a way to advocate for their own welfare. In fact, animals
are viewed by many as nothing more than property to be treated however the owner
wishes. This view has created an inhumane situation for billions of animals that
share our world.
-
many of the world's 60 billion farm animals are not treated humanely
-
80% of the world's 1 billion cats and dogs are stray or neglected
-
millions of wild animals are killed or sold illegally on the black market worth
$10 billion a year
-
animals suffer greatly and are often forgotten during natural disasters
World
Animal Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate our relationship with the
animals that share our planet and the ways in which they enrich our lives. It
is also an important opportunity to speak out to ensure the humane treatment of
farm animals and to advocate for protection of the habitats that are home to wild
animals. It was started in 1931
by ecologists in Florence who wished to bring attention to the plight of endangered
animals. October 4 was chosen because it is the Feast Day of St. Francis, the
patron saint of animals. Today World Animal Day is observed in countries throughout
the world.
What
can you do to help animals? One of the most powerful ways to make a difference
is to become a vegetarian, which helps save animals, helps the ecology of the
planet and can improve your health. Another thing you can do is stop buying things
make from animals like leather and fur - in most cases there are many plant or
synthetic alternatives. Don't buy household and personal products tested on animals.
Get involved in or contribute to local animal rights and animal welfare organizations.
More than 1.5 million people have also signed the Universal Declaration on
Animal Welfare which is an international agreement "among people and
nations to recognize that animals are sentient beings and can suffer, to respect
their welfare needs, and to end animal cruelty." You can sign online at www.animalsmatter.org
World Farm
Animals Day is observed on October 2 as another day to mobilize around the
humane treatment of farm animals, and Vegetarian Day on October 1 is a
chance to educate our communities about the benefits provided by an animal-free
diet.
Vegetarian
Day - October 1
VegetarianDay.net
www.vegansociety.com
Vegetarian
International Voice for Animals
World Farm Animals Day - October 2
World
Farm Animals Day
World
Animals Day - October 4
World
Animal Day
Animal
Rights Organizations
American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Animal
Concerns Community
Animal-Rights.com
AnimalsMatter.org
Changing
The Present : Animal Welfare
Farm
Animal Rights Movement
The
Humane Society of the United States
People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
10
Reasons for Animal Rights
World
Society for the Protection of Animals
Quotes
for ANIMAL RIGHTS
