World Animal Day is celebrated every year on October 4 to raise awareness about improving the welfare standards of animals across the globe. World Animal Day celebration is an animal welfare movement that pushes global countries to make the world a better place for all animals. This day is very prominent for animal lovers as it gives an opportunity to contribute towards the welfare of the animals in every way possible. You will find everything you need to know about the history and significance of the day in this article.
As UPSC surprises aspirants with questions linked with what usually is assumed to be trivia; it is advisable that one must scroll through the facts about World Animal Welfare Day to get the basic information. It can be asked in UPSC Prelims from the section of current affairs, if at all asked.
Facts about World Animal Welfare Day for UPSC Exam
Read the below-mentioned facts and aid your IAS Exam preparation along with other competitive exams preparation.
| Observed on | 4 October |
| Theme of 2023 | ‘Great or Small, Love Them All’ |
| First time observed on | 24 March, 1925 |
| To Commemorate | Birthday of Francis of Assisi’s |
| Organised By | Naturewatch Foundation |
The topic can be asked as a Current Affairs Question in IAS Prelims. Visit the attached link to attempt practice quizzes on current affairs.
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About World Animal Welfare Day, 2023
- World Animal Welfare Day is a global initiative for the welfare of animals that educates people about the significant role of animals in nature and their importance for maintaining the ecological balance.Â
- The day is a reminder that the essential work must be done to address the plight of animals- both in the domestic and wild world.
- The Day is observed in different countries around the world by organizing various campaigns, contests, events, and workshopsÂ
- World Animal Day theme for 2023 is “Great or Small, Love Them All“.
- The theme for World Animal Day 2021 was ‘Forest and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet.’ The significance of the theme is to promote the peaceful co-existence of People and Animals and make this world a safer place for everyone.Â
- Every year the themes are modified, keeping in mind the climatic developments around the world. Theme in 2020 was ‘Man and Dog.’
- The day is also known as ‘Animal Lovers Day’ as it promotes affection, care and protection of animals with the support of individuals and organisations who work for the rights of animals.
Background of World Animal Welfare Day
- The day was first observed on March 24, 1925 by the animal protection activist Heinrich Zimmermann.
- Presently the celebration of the day is spearheaded by UK-based animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation.Â
- Naturewatch Foundation launched the first World Animal Day website in 2003 which contains the lists of global World Animal Day events that take place on and around World Animal Day. It also asks the supporters to add their own events to the directory.Â
- World Animal Welfare Day is celebrated in commemoration of Francis of Assisi’s birthday, the patron saint of ecology.
Significance of World Animal Welfare Day
- The day focuses on creating awareness about the effects of people and their behaviours on these speechless living creatures.
- The objective of World Animal Day is ensuring rescue shelters for the animals, raising funds, launching animal welfare programs and conducting activities that would help in raising standards and provide better conditions of animal living.
- The day also spreads awareness about cruelty to animals which include everything from pelting stones to beating and caning, using them for wrong things.
About Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
- AWBI is a statutory body and advisory body for the Government of India. The purpose of the body is to advise on animal welfare laws and promote animal welfare in the country of India.
- The Board was established in 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960.
- The Board consists of 28 members, who serve for a period of 3 years.
- AWBI works to ensure that animal welfare laws in the country are obliged and also provides grants to Animal Welfare Organisations.
- Headquarters- Faridabad District of Haryana.
Note: As UPSC 2022 approaches, use BYJU’S free Daily Video Analysis of The Hindu Newspaper to augment your preparation.
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