October 4th was chosen as the day to celebrate World Animal Day because it is also the feast day for Saint Francis of Assisi who is known as the patron saint of the animals.

It was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence, Italy 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 many countries throughout the world. It is intended as a day of celebration for anyone in the world who cares about animals.

Around the world, Catholic and Anglican churches will perform a blessing of the animals for both pets and wild creatures alike. But it has become a day of significance beyond any religious observance. It's main intention is to highlight the fact that many species of wild animals are increasingly threatened and endangered around the world. In just the U.S. alone, the endangered species list may soon grow by several hundred animals.

Animal lovers will also join together to recognize the plight of domesticated animals such as man's best friend, the dog. For example, in Venezuela, animal activists will be marching today to protest a recent mass poisoning of stray dogs there. This type of inhumane treatment used to control overpopulation is not all that uncommon in many poorer countries where dogs and cats have little or no protection.


So even through things have come a long way since 1931, there is still a long way to go to ensure that the animals of the world are treated with respect and the right to co-exist along side of us. Until that time arrives, it will remain important to join together with fellow animal lovers to find the solutions to achieve that goal.