World Animal Day on October 4: how the observance began in Berlin and Florence

The humans have no greater claim to this beautiful planet than all other living beings do. Birds, aquatic creatures and animals that walk the land: the earth cannot be imagined without them. Animals play a vital role in keeping human life full and balanced. But in the headlong race for progress and modernity, people have to some extent stopped paying attention to these innocent parts of nature. To spread awareness across the world about the rights, welfare and conservation of voiceless animals, World Animal Day is observed every year on October 4 with great seriousness and enthusiasm.

The day was started in 1925 by Heinrich Zimmermann, an animal lover and writer. He organised the first Animal Day in Berlin, Germany, on March 24, 1925.

In 1931, an international animal protection congress was held in Florence, Italy. At that congress, October 4 was officially declared World Animal Day. There is another reason the date was chosen: October 4 is the death anniversary of St Francis of Assisi, who is regarded as the protector of animals. Since then, animal lovers and various organisations around the world have marked the day together.

Whether a small bird in the sky, a fearsome animal of the forest or a stray animal roaming the streets, each is an important link in nature's food chain. From spreading the seeds of trees to improving the fertility of the soil and keeping insect numbers in check, the indirect contribution of animals is unmatched. If even one species of nature disappears, it directly harms the entire ecosystem and ultimately poses a major threat to human life as well.

Sadly, people today are destroying nature for momentary gain. Large-scale deforestation, rising urbanisation, industrialisation, plastic pollution and illegal hunting have destroyed the natural habitats of thousands of wild species. As a result, many rare species are on the verge of extinction. Cruelty to stray animals in cities, and neglect of them, has also become a serious social problem. World Animal Day compels us to think seriously about all this.

On this day, schools, colleges, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government departments around the world hold discussions, rallies and awareness campaigns. But so that awareness is not limited to a single day, everyone should adopt a few small habits in daily life. Do not trouble stray animals nearby, and arrange drinking water and food for them. Avoid using plastic, because plastic waste is proving fatal to wildlife and aquatic animals. Prefer adopting stray animals or animals from shelters instead of buying one. And if you see any cruelty to animals, report it immediately to an animal protection organisation or the police.

Finally, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." On World Animal Day, let all of us resolve to treat these voiceless creatures with compassion, love and full responsibility, and to make the earth a safe home for all living beings.