World Animals' Day is on October 4.

Cherish your pets and all other animals

We all love and care for our pets, don't we? But just as we care for our pets, we should care for other animals on Earth too, because they all have an equal right to live on this planet. The Earth is their home too, just as much as it's ours!

The beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom is celebrated on October 4, World Animals' Day (WAD).

The mission of this Day is to celebrate animal life in all its forms; to celebrate the relationship between animals and the humankind; to acknowledge the diverse roles animals play in our lives - from providing food and being our companions to supporting and helping us and bringing a sense of wonder into our lives; and to acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives.

It was decided to hold the event on October 4 in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, whose Feast Day fell on this date.

In Rome, on this day, stray dogs are temporarily spared from dog catchers and are offered free bones from butchers.

The WAD was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists held in Florence, Italy, to highlight the plight of endangered animals.

Now, it has expanded to encompass all animal life and is celebrated with growing enthusiasm. Special events are held around the world on this day by animal welfare groups, sanctuaries and individuals to heighten public awareness on issues concerning animals, and to encourage people to think about how we relate to animals.

In 2005, the Humane Society International co-ordinated its campaign against the use of animals for fighting,to coincide with this Day. Activities to promote animal health have also been part of the day's programme.

The World Animals Week website, launched by the World Society for the Protection of Animals, encourages its members to raise funds and increase awareness about animals' issues, while animal shelters, places of worship, schools and individuals do something to stress the importance of animals to our lives.

As we have always known, owning a pet brings proven health benefits to its owners. Research has shown that people with pets visit doctors less, take less medicines, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, recover from illnesses quicker, are better when dealing with stressful situations and feel less lonely.

As research has proven, children gain a lot by caring for animals. Keeping a pet teaches them responsibility and compassion and helps them to come to terms with more of life's difficult issues and process complex emotions. So, doing something for your pets as well as other animals will also benefit you.

Some schools organise projects involving pets, farm animals or even wild animals and also design events to raise awareness about issues like conservation and vegetarianism. You too can be a part of such events and contribute your mite to the enrichment of the animal kingdom!