News Pick
World Animal Welfare Day: Championing compassion for all creatures
Everyone has a role in ensuring that the well-being of animals is safeguarded for future generations
World Animal Welfare Day, celebrated annually on October 4, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the welfare of animals and advocating for their protection. This day serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities humans have towards all species and emphasises the importance of ensuring that animals live free from cruelty, exploitation, and suffering.
The theme for the day is Animal Welfare in a Changing World. It highlights the growing challenges faced by animals due to environmental degradation, climate change, and urbanisation. As the planet undergoes rapid changes, animals are increasingly vulnerable to habitat loss, shifting ecosystems, and more frequent natural disasters. The theme calls attention to the need for innovative approaches to safeguard animals’ natural habitats and mitigate the impact of human activity on wildlife.
The theme also stresses the importance of protecting working animals and pets, particularly in communities affected by climate-related disruptions. As people confront new environmental and economic challenges, the welfare of companion and labour animals must not be overlooked.
The Importance of World Animal Welfare Day
Animals, whether domestic, wild, or farmed, play a vital role in the global ecosystem and the lives of countless individuals. However, many species continue to face threats from poaching, deforestation, climate change, neglect, and abuse. World Animal Welfare Day highlights the urgent need for action to protect the planet’s diverse animal species. It calls attention to the suffering of animals in various environments and promotes their humane treatment.
By focusing on animal welfare, this day encourages governments, organisations, and individuals to engage in meaningful actions that improve the lives of animals globally. It fosters a deeper understanding of animal rights, ethical considerations, and how human activity impacts animals. Through education and advocacy, World Animal Welfare Day seeks to instil respect and compassion for all creatures, encouraging a collective effort to safeguard their well-being.
Ms Maninder Kaur, TGT Social Science, Apeejay School, Model Town shared, “In today’s world, many consider themselves animal lovers, but only a few truly grasp what it means. Being an animal lover goes beyond caring for pets that are part of your family — it’s about the compassion and empathy you feel for every living creature. To truly understand a person’s kindness and softness, look at how they treat animals. For me, these ‘pawsome’ beings are the most awesome.”
We must also recognise that this ecosystem doesn’t belong solely to humans, the educator shared. “It’s as much theirs as it is ours. Yet, in many places, people mistreat street dogs and demand their removal. But the question is, where should they go? Imagine being forced out of your home. How would you feel if someone told your children studying abroad that they weren’t welcome? All creatures deserve a place in our hearts, for they will be there forever. Let’s share our world with them. After all, their love is pure and true,” Ms Maninder said in conclusion.
