"Change the world: how each of us can help animals"
In a world where human activity often threatens the lives and well-being of animals, it is important to recognize our role in protecting them. Animals are an integral part of our ecosystem, and their health directly affects our own existence.
Every year, millions of animals become victims of cruelty, the disappearance of their natural habitat and climate change. These problems require not only attention, but also active action. Animal protection includes many aspects, such as improving the living conditions of pets, preventing cruelty, supporting programs to save and restore wild species, as well as efforts to preserve biodiversity.
Every year, more than seventy countries around the world celebrate an international holiday with almost a century of history on October 4th - World Animal Day.
History
The idea of the holiday belongs to the German journalist and animal rights activist Heinrich Zimmermann
According to the World Organization for Animal Protection, its founder is Heinrich Zimmermann, a writer and dog handler who organized the first celebration at the Sports Palace in Berlin in 1925. In 1931, Zimmermann's proposal to officially recognize October 4 as World Animal Day was approved and came into force as a resolution at the International Congress of Supporters of the Nature Protection Movement in Florence. The date of October 4 was not chosen by chance: it is the day of remembrance of the Catholic Saint Francis of Assisi, who is considered the patron saint of nature and animals.
In Russia, the holiday has been celebrated since 2000
In Russia, animal protection is enshrined not only in federal laws, but also in the Constitution. Since 1978, rare and endangered wild animals have been listed in the Red Book. Currently, about 400 species are included there. Among them are the Amur tiger, snow leopard, great ptarmigan and others. Along with the all-Russian Red Book, more than 70 subjects of the Federation also have their own regional ones. The issues raised by Animal Day.
Issues raised by Animal Day
The fate of homeless cats and dogs has been discussed on Animal Day since its inception. And with the advent of social networks, the problem is largely being solved by ordinary people, especially in countries where there is a catastrophic shortage of animal shelters.
But, of course, the main and most serious problem remains climate change and the human impact on the population of wild animals on the planet. According to a new study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), over the past 50 years, the number of wild animals on the planet has decreased by two-thirds.
Animal Day should remind us of this and help us unite our efforts. And even if you are not yet ready to reduce your personal carbon footprint to zero, even just sharing someone's post or the hashtag #WorldAnimalDay you are already becoming part of this movement.
Traditions of the holiday
Animal Day belongs to the category of environmental ones. Various charity and educational events are held in his honor all over the world. Cat and dog shelters organize exhibitions where you can adopt a pet. Schools hold thematic lessons where they explain the importance of caring for our smaller brothers. Veterinary clinics hold open days with master classes for pet owners, talk about the features of care, feeding and treatment, the importance of vaccination. Charitable foundations organize campaigns aimed at raising funds to help endangered species. Some companies announce a “Bring Your Best Friend” holiday on this day, allowing employees to come with their pets.
Numbers
34,000 species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction;
Every hour, 3 species of animals disappear from the face of the Earth;
70+ countries hold events in honor of World Animal Day.
Saving lives: programs and projects for animal protection
"Animal protection is everyone's business: start with yourself!"
In the modern world, there are many programs and projects aimed at protecting animals and protecting their rights. These initiatives range from local volunteer groups to international organizations working on global problems. Here are some of them:
Legislative changes: New laws protecting animals have come into effect in the United States. For example, Oklahoma, Washington, and Nevada have banned the production and sale of eggs from hens kept in cages. New Jersey is expected to ban the use of gestational cages for pigs. Several states have also passed laws to ban pet store sales, which should help combat animal farming.
Animal Rescue Programs: Foundations like the Summerlee Foundation fund projects that rescue and rehabilitate both domestic and wild animals. They support sterilization and stray population control centers, as well as wildlife rehabilitation.
Sustainable Approaches to Wildlife Protection: Some organizations focus on education and advocacy to protect wildlife, such as big cats and bears. These initiatives aim to reform wildlife management policies and protect ecosystems.
Innovative Research and Alternatives to Animal Testing: Several states, including Oregon and California, are introducing laws that encourage the development of alternative testing methods that do not use animals. For example, Oregon has passed a law banning the sale of cosmetics that are tested on animals.
Programs:
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
• Research and Monitoring: WCS conducts research on animal populations and habitats using modern technologies such as satellite navigation and genetic testing.
• Sanctuary Creation: They work to create and protect sanctuaries to protect critical ecosystems.
• Education and Outreach: WCS conducts educational programs for local communities about the importance of preserving wildlife.
2. International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW):
• Animal Rescue: IFAW conducts rescue operations for animals that have suffered from cruelty or natural disasters.• Habitat Protection: The organization works to preserve natural habitats and prevent their destruction.
• Anti-Cruelty Campaigning: IFAW campaigns to ban practices such as whaling and the ivory trade.
3. Ocean Cleanup:
• Ocean Cleanup: This project develops and implements technologies to remove plastic from the oceans, which helps protect marine animals from pollution and suffocation.
• Education and Awareness: The Ocean Cleanup also runs awareness campaigns about the problems of plastic pollution.
4. Project Noah:
• Citizen Science: Participants can record animal observations and submit data that helps scientists track changes in biodiversity.
• Educational Resources: Project Noah provides resources and training for participants on the importance of protecting different species.
5. Save the Elephants:
• Behavioural Research: The organization conducts research on elephant behaviour and migration to understand their needs and threats.
• Anti-Poaching Programs: Save the Elephants works with local governments to develop laws and policies to protect elephants.
• Community Education: They educate local communities about the importance of elephants and their role in ecosystems.
6. Wildlife Defenders:
• Legislative Advocacy: The organization is actively involved in developing and supporting laws that protect wildlife and their habitats.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Defenders of Wildlife runs habitat restoration programs, including restoring natural populations and migratory sites.
• Education and Outreach: They work to raise awareness of the importance of protecting wildlife.
7. Greenpeace:
• Anti-Poaching Campaigns: Greenpeace actively combats poaching and the wildlife trade through public campaigns and legal action.
• Education and Outreach: They create information materials and hold events to raise awareness of wildlife conservation issues.
• Lobbying: Greenpeace works with governments and international organizations to promote policies that protect animals and their habitats.
Projects that focus on protecting animals:
African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) Species Protection Program:
This project focuses on protecting species such as black rhinos, gorillas, and elephants in Africa. AWF works to establish protected areas and implement habitat conservation programs.
Project Elephant:
This project aims to study and protect elephants in Kenya. It includes monitoring their movements using GPS, as well as anti-poaching campaigns and protecting their habitat.
Snow Leopard Protection:
The project works to protect snow leopards in Central and South Asia. It includes habitat conservation programs and collaboration with local communities to prevent human-animal conflict.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA):
This project in the United States aims to protect marine mammals such as seals and whales. It includes population monitoring programs and protecting their habitat.
Red Panda Network:
This project focuses on the conservation of red pandas in Nepal and Tibet. It includes habitat restoration, awareness raising programs, and working with local communities to protect these animals.
Sea Turtle Conservation:
This project works to protect sea turtles in the Caribbean. It includes nesting site protection, population recovery programs, and community education campaigns.
IUCN Red List: This
project aims to assess and rank the extinction threat to various animal species. It provides important data for conservation and protection.
Wildlife Corridor Projects:
These projects around the world create migration corridors for wildlife, allowing them to move safely between habitats. They help reduce conflict with humans and protect species diversity.
Animal Welfare Events and Initiatives
There are ongoing significant animal welfare events and initiatives around the world:
Zoonotic Disease Risk Report: A study by Harvard University and New York University found that livestock industries pose a serious threat to human health due to zoonotic diseases. The authors call for better regulation of these industries to prevent disease outbreaks and protect public health. Recommendations include stricter controls on animals and their supply chains.
California Animal Welfare Legislation: California’s Proposition 12 requires pregnant pigs, hens, and calves to have adequate space to move around. Despite support for the law, there is pressure from agribusiness to weaken it. This highlights the need for active citizen and organizational engagement to protect animal rights.
International Initiatives: Many countries are implementing new programs and projects to protect wildlife and their habitats. For example, measures to protect rare species and restore ecosystems are being strengthened, as well as international cooperation in the fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Each of us can be a defender: how a person influences animal protection
"Strength in unity: how simple actions can save the lives of animals"
Animal protection is not only the task of specialists and organizations, but also the responsibility of each of us. Simple actions can lead to significant changes in the lives of animals and help preserve biodiversity on the planet. How can an ordinary person influence animal protection?
Firstly, it is important to inform and educate others about the problems animals face. Share information on social networks, participate in public events and conversations to raise awareness about animal rights and their needs.
Secondly, volunteering is a great way to make a contribution. By working in animal shelters, you can help homeless pets receive care and attention, as well as contribute to their adoption into good hands.
The third important step is responsible consumption choices. Support ethical brands and companies that care about animals and the environment, refuse products associated with animal cruelty.
Support charities: Help organizations that work to protect animals financially or through donations of goods and services.
Lobbying for changes in legislation: Support initiatives and bills aimed at protecting animals. You can sign petitions, participate in protests, or contact local authorities.
Respect animal rights: Be responsible pet owners. Take care of your pets, provide them with comfortable living conditions and do not allow cruelty.
Interact with nature: Participate in projects to restore ecosystems and protect wildlife habitats. This can include participating in tree planting or cleaning natural areas.
Buy from secondary sources: Buy clothes, shoes, and other things made from recycled materials to reduce the demand for resources and reduce the impact on wild animals.
Every action counts, and even small efforts can lead to positive changes in animal protection.
Your care and activism can inspire others to make changes, creating a safer environment for animals. Remember that each of us has the power to make the world a better place, and together we can make a significant difference in animal welfare.
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