We share the planet with 8.7 million species of animals on land and in water Europe, Friends of the Earth, and this month we formally recognize, appreciate, and celebrate their magnificence and the ways they enrich our lives.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”
- Anatole France
Internationally, we recognize World Animal Day on October 4 which coincides with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of birds and animals. First established by writer and publisher Heinrich Zimmerman in 1925, the day of respect was adopted internationally in 1931 by the International Animal Protection Congress. The mission of World Animal Day is to improve welfare standards for animals everywhere and to consciously make the world a better place for all animals. World Farm Animals Day on October 2 brings focus on the ethical treatment of farm animals, and Vegetarian Day on October 1 offers awareness of the myriad benefits derived from an animal-free diet.
“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights.
That is the way of a whole human being.” - Abraham Lincoln
Many of us feel compelled to advocate for animals across the globe, as well as the protection of their habitats because of the innate compassion we feel for all living beings. The moral code of the Golden Rule applies to all creation, not just humankind. As St. Francis of Assisi wrote, “If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.” Sadly, too many people consider animals as lesser beings, or even as property; a view that has led to unspeakably inhumane conditions for the billions of animals that share our world.
We can celebrate and show support of our blessed animal cohabitants in meaningful ways this and every day.
10 Ways to Show You Care:
1. Educate yourself by reading the work of animal advocates including Jane Goodall, Elisa Aaltola, Carol J. Adams, Brigid Brophy, Stephen R. L. Clark, Sue Coe, Temple Grandin, Craig Rosebraugh and Robin Webb.
2. Eat vegetarian. It’s healthier for our bodies and our planet, yet only a small fraction of us follow a plant-based diet. (Newport 2012) ( (Europe 2014)(Australian Vegetarian Society)
3. Wear cruelty-free fashion. Feathers, furs, and skins look so much better on the animals than us!
4. Refuse to buy household and personal products that are tested on animals.
5. Create a safe and inviting environment for wildlife in your backyard.
Humane Society Guidelines: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/wild_neighbors/humane-backyard/13-ways-to- create-humane-backyard-wildlife-habitat.html
6. Adopt an animal at your local zoo or national and global organizations.
https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions.aspx
7. Donate your time, talent, and treasure to local animal shelters or animal welfare organizations.
8. Provide a loving, safe, and healthy home for your furry friends with quality food, fresh water, special treats, fun activities, and regular veterinary appointments.
9. Join the movement. More than 1.5 million people have 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."
https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/take-action/back-universal-declaration-animal-welfare?from=international_en
10. Take a stand for laws (or the lack thereof) that protect our animals. https://racingextinction.com/ongoing_actions/protect-the-endangered-species-act/
There are innumerable resources available on the Internet to help with any of these initiatives. What can you do today to make the world a better place for all our creatures, great and small?
References
Europe, Friends of the Earth. Meat Atlas: facts and figures about the animals we eat. January 2014. http://foeeurope.org/meat-atlas.
Newport, Frank. In U.S., 5% Consider Themselves Vegetarians. July 26, 2012. https://news.gallup.com/poll/156215/consider-themselves-vegetarians.aspx.
Sciences, California Academy of. How Many Species on Earth? August 24, 2011. https://www.calacademy.org/explore-science/how-many-species-on-earth.
Society, Australian Vegetarian. n.d.
© Nancy Noack and Mighty Oak Ministries International, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.