World Animal Day

What Is World Animal Day?

October 4th is World Animal Day — an international day of action for animal rights and welfare. It was established at a meeting of naturalists and animal welfare advocates in Florence, Italy, in 1931, proposed by German zoologist Heinrich Zimmermann. The date was chosen to coincide with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals

Francis of Assisi (1181/82–1226) was an Italian Catholic friar renowned for his deep love of nature and all living creatures. Medieval accounts describe him preaching to birds, taming wolves through dialogue, and speaking of animals as his "brothers and sisters" in creation.

• "Brother Sun, Sister Moon": Francis composed the "Canticle of the Sun," a hymn celebrating all elements of creation — from sunlight and water to animals and earth
• The Wolf of Gubbio: Legend holds that Francis made peace between a town and a wolf that had been terrorising it — a story of compassion over conflict
• Pope Francis: Elected in 2013, Pope Francis chose his name in honour of this saint's simplicity and love of creation; he published the landmark environmental encyclical Laudato Si' in 2015

The State of Animals on Earth

• Wildlife collapse: Global wild animal populations have declined by approximately 69% since 1970, according to WWF's Living Planet Report 2022
• Threatened species: The IUCN Red List contains over 42,000 species threatened with extinction, including tigers, orangutans, African elephants, and thousands of lesser-known creatures
• Pets in Japan: Japan is home to approximately 15.9 million dogs and cats combined (2023), making animal welfare a deeply personal issue for many families

Animal Welfare in Japan

Japan's Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (動物愛護管理法) prohibits cruelty and sets standards for keeping animals. Challenges remain, however: thousands of animals are euthanised in shelters each year, and concerns about exotic pets and animal use in entertainment continue to be debated.

How to Mark This Day

• Spend time with your pet — or observe wild birds, insects, or other local wildlife — and appreciate the richness animals bring to life
• Consider supporting a local animal shelter through donation, fostering, or volunteering
• Reflect on how your food choices and consumer habits affect animals and ecosystems
• Check your local animal welfare centre's website for information on animals awaiting adoption

Every Life Matters

World Animal Day is a call to recognise that humans are not the only creatures with a stake in this planet. Every animal — from the smallest insect to the largest whale — plays a role in the web of life that sustains us all. On October 4th, let the spirit of Saint Francis inspire us to look at the world's creatures with wonder, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility.