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The first to evade the earth, much before humankind, were animals. From the tiniest of bees who are the heroes of pollination, to the largest of tigers whose slippers we wear today, the creatures balance the ecosystem we live in. World Animal Day is just one reminder of why and how we should preserve animals. 

• History of World Animal Day

World animal day was first celebrated on 24th March, from the year 1921, in Berlin at the proposal of Heinrich Zimmermann. Later, from the year 1929, 4th October started to be celebrated for animals, but only a few countries followed it. It was only in the year 1931, that this day got a global recognition.

• How to celebrate World Animal Day ?

1. Store water for animals outside your homes, to serve as a respite.
2. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
3. Help animals facing a wound, and feed stray animals.
4. Do not hurt them just for fun.
5. Avoid rodenticides and cruel glue traps, adopt more humane methods.
6. Go for fur free dresses 
7. Choose the cosmetics and products that are most likely not tested on animals.
8. Share what you know or learn about animal welfare.

• 5 Famous Quotes on Animals

1. “He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”- Immanuel kant

2. “Animals are such agreeable friends? They ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” – George Eliot

3. “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” – Martin Buber

4. “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” – Charles Darwin

5. “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” –Anatole France

• Crimes occurring against animals

1. Nearly 1 million animals a year are abused or killed in connection with domestic violence.
2. Many animals are killed for just one coat or other products.
3. Thousands of whales are killed every year, despite the ban on hunting, in many countries.
4. China leads the table of the largest ivory market. Followed by the US, despite the ban on ivory selling.
5. For cultural satisfaction, tens of millions of sharks are captured and their fins are extracted out.
6. Even though captive life is not naturally suitable for dolphins, they are used in circuses.
7. Every year, more than 100 million animals are killed for testing, only in the US, according to PETA.

• 5 Animals going to be extinct :

1. Vaquita 

The most endangered marine animal in the world, Vaquita is threatened due to fishing activities.

2. Tigers

Deforestation and rampant poaching are the main reasons for their decrease in population.

3. Asian Elephants

These elephants are poached for their ivory, meat and skin. 

4. Giant Panda

The cute creatures who we all adore, are one of the endangered species due to the decline in bamboo forests.

5. Rhinoceros

Their horns are used for traditional medicines in China. The horns are also marked as a signature of royalty, so it sells nearly at USD $30 000 per kg, in black.

• 5 Strictest Laws in nations worldwide, for the welfare of animals.

1. Germany is the first country of the EU, whose constitution protects animals.
2. UK levies a penalty of £20,000 and 51 weeks maximum imprisonment.
3. The Austrian Animal Welfare Act 2004, regards animals as that of humans. It bans farmers from caging their chickens and pet owners from cropping their pet’s ears or tails.
4. Switzerland is the first country to make animal protection a constitutional rule. Stopping a dog from barking is also considered illegal there.

The Animal Welfare Act of Netherlands prohibits usage of apes and other animals, for testing purposes.

https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/world-animal-day-2021-date-history-significance-and-quotes-all-you-need-to-know-1854520-2021-09-19

https://rtdjournal.com/growing-elephant-death-toll-in-odisha-increases-worries/