Animal Awareness Date

It's World Animal Day!

This day was created to raise the status of animals in the legal system and raising awareness about the need to protect them. This day unites the animal protection movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals.

Trillions of animals are suffering every hour from human practices and climate crisis consequences caused by human activities. In many countries around the world, even though the Animal Welfare Act is enacted, it is not enforced, while in other parts of the Earth, animal law does not exist. The animal protection movement is gradually expanding, however, there is an urgent need to educate as many individuals as possible about the harm we inflict on animals, the consequences of not stopping to exploit animals, and the necessity to recognize them as legal persons. Through increased awareness and education we can create a world where animals are always recognized as sentient beings.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the pain and suffering of animals across the globe and ways how we can protect them;

• Urge the government to enact effective legislation to protect animals and enforce the laws;

• Educate the public about the urgent need to protect animals;

• Go vegan for the animals and the planet;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #WorldAnimalDay.

It's World Rabies Day!

This day was created to raise awareness about the issue of rabies around the world and the necessity to vaccinate animals. The pandemic has raised many doubts and misconceptions about diseases, their spread, and about vaccination, in general. As for rabies, the theme of this year is focused on sharing facts about rabies and not spreading fear about the disease by relying on misinformation and myths.

In the United States, for instance, more than 90% of reported cases of rabies in animals occur in wildlife. The wild animals that most commonly carry rabies in the United States are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Cats and dogs, cattle, and horses)can also get rabies. Nearly all the pets and livestock that get rabies had not received a vaccination or were not up to date on rabies vaccination.

While rabies is a 100% preventable disease, more than 59 000 people die from the disease around the world each year. This day is another opportunity to reflect on our efforts to control this deadly disease and remind ourselves that the fight is not yet over.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about rabies and the need to vaccinate animals;

• Urge the public to educate themselves about this issue;

• Vaccinate your companion animals;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #WorldRabiesDay.

It's Fish Amnesty Day in the U.S.!

This day was created by PETA in 1997 to recognize fish as living animals with rights and the necessity to protect them as other vertebrates.

Fish also have advanced nervous systems that process and respond to pain. With no laws protecting them from cruelty, they can be impaled on hooks, yanked out of the water, and suffocated. Their mouths are ripped open as hooks are pried out, they’re hit in the head with blunt objects, and they’re sliced open and disemboweled while still alive. Moreover, fish have been proven by science to feel fear, pain, and suffering. However, fish, among other aquatic animals, receive less consideration than marine mammals, for instance.

Fish are important for the entire ecosystem as being part of the food chain, they help maintain healthy oceans at the same level as other species of aquatic animals. Instead, billions of them are killed every year for food consumption and caught for the development of aquaculture. Not only fish suffer from fishing activities but other animals too who become victims of the nets, hooks, etc. Because of overfishing, we could have fishless oceans by 2050.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the fish, threats that they face, and means through which we can protect them;

• Urge the public to educate themselves about the importance of fish in our waters;

• Urge the government to enact effective legislation on fish protection;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #FishAmnestyDayUS.

It's World Rhino Day!

This day was created in 2010 by the WWF South Africa to raise awareness about the threats of all five rhino species distributed across the globe and to remind the public of ways how to conserve and protect these animals.

Rhinos are magnificent, massive, and powerful creatures, classified as one of the Big Five game animals. There are now five different types of rhinos, each with specific characteristics that distinguish them. These are the Javan Rhino, the Sumatran Rhino, the Greater One-Horned Rhino, the Black Rhino, and the White Rhino distributed across Africa and Asia. Rhinos are referred to as ‘Umbrella species’ or keystone species.

Most rhino species are dangerously close to extinction. The major threats to them include poaching, illegal horn trade, loss of habitat due to climate change, and low population density. These animals have roamed the earth for millions of years, playing an important role in the ecosystem. They feed on green leafy matter, including grass, consuming heavy amounts of vegetation, so they help shape the landscape. It is important to urge the public and the government to protect these animals that play a significant role in our lives.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the rhinos, threats that they face, and means through which we can save them;

• Urge the government to enact effective legislation on the protection of these animals;

• Urge the public to educate themselves about the importance of rhinos on our Earth;

• Consider volunteering with and donating to organizations that work on the conservation of rhinoceros and saving their populations;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #WorldRhinoDay.

It's International Red Panda Day!

This day was created by the Red Panda Network in 2010 to raise public awareness about these animals and support the promotion of the red panda conservation.

Red pandas are mammal species that can be found in China, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and India. According to the last assessment by the IUCN Red List, these animals are classified as Endangered. On the national level, they are legally protected in the range countries. The major threats to these animals include habitat loss and degradation, human interference, and poaching.

Studies and research show that the total population of red pandas has declined by 40% for the last two decades, and there is a potential decrease in their population in the future. As habitat loss is the primary threat to the red pandas, this is caused by logging, grazing livestock, demand for firewood, human encroachment, and farming. The decrease also coincided with the increase in human populations throughout Asia, thus, with the increase of livestock, agriculture development, which produce various threats to this species.

A lot of wildlife species of animals are now mostly threatened by the effect of climate change, which is caused by the enormous amount of greenhouse emissions. There is an urgent need to raise awareness and take action to change the lifestyle for the protection of many living beings.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the red pandas, threats that they face, and ways how we can protect them;

• Report any illegal activity related to these animals, including illegal pet trade;

• Urge the government to enforce the regulations that would protect the red pandas in the range countries;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #InternationalRedPandaDay.

It's International Whale Shark Day!

This day was created to raise awareness about these amazing sea-dwelling creatures and encourage marine conservation efforts aimed at this shark species.

Whale sharks differ from other shark species because of their wide flat heads, large mouths, and spotted bodies. They are the biggest shark species and among the biggest fish in the ocean. Whale sharks have no natural predators, and they are considered top-level predators, so in a case when top-level predators can become extinct, the population numbers of the creatures that they prey on may swell dramatically.

Whale sharks need legal protection as they are becoming endangered. They are also one of the most vulnerable marine animals, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There is an urgent need to take action towards protecting these and other aquatic animals that play a significant role in the entire ecosystem by taking simple steps, such as going vegan and reducing plastic waste. 

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the whale sharks, what threats they face, and how we can protect them;

• Reduce plastic waste use;

• Consider going plant-based to save these animals;

• Consider making a donation to the organizations that work on the conservation of whale sharks;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #InternationalWhaleSharkDay.

It's World Honey Bee Day!

This day was created to raise awareness about the honey bees, recognize their role in our ecosystem, and remember to provide them with a supportive environment.

Bees are critical animals in our lives, but their population continues declining in all parts of the world. Bees are mostly threatened by the use of toxic pesticides, habitat loss, and an increase in invasive farming methods and urban developments. Because of the climate crisis going on that leads to habitat alteration and loss, there is an urgent need to protect the honey bees that feed on plants. Changing lifestyle habits is the least what one could do to protect the species.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the honey bees and the major threats they face;

• Raise awareness in your community about how we can protect them;

• Plant at least one flower to provide more sources for the honey bees;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #WorldHoneyBeeDay.

It's World Lizard Day!

This day was created to raise awareness about these reptiles and to protect these animals. There are approximately 6000 species of lizards around the world, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

Lizards sometimes are considered dangerous animals, however, only some species have venoms, such as the Gila monster, Mexican beaded lizards, and the Komodo dragon found in Indonesia, whose venom may kill a human. Lizards, like many other categories of animals, are mostly threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation that is driven by the climate crisis, human intervention, infrastructure development, logging. Other threats include invasive species, predation, and overexploitation.

A lot of people keep lizards as pets. For example, more than 9 million people in the United States have a lizard as a pet. Some of the most common pets include the African fire skink, chameleon, gecko, green iguana, long-tailed lizard, Chinese water dragon, and the bearded dragon.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the lizards and the major threats they face;

• Raise awareness in your community about how we can protect these reptiles;

• Learn how changing your lifestyle and everyday habits may help protect lizards;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #WorldLizardDay.

It's World Lion Day!

This day was created by the Big Cat Rescue to raise awareness about these majestic animals and to find all possible ways on how to protect these cats and their habitat.

Lions are apex predators and one of the largest land animals in the world. Lions are mostly threatened by trophy hunting, reduction in food, and human incursion. Lions' population has dramatically decreased and is still declining to the point where the species are categorized as endangered.

Approximately 3 million years ago, lions freely roamed all over Africa and Eurasia, but currently, their number decreased due to various factors, including ice ages, climate change, poaching. The IUCN Red List lists lions under the "Vulnerable" category. Now, there are approximately 30 000 - 100 000 lions left.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the lions and the major threats they face;

• Raise awareness in your community about how we can protect these animals;

• Consider volunteering with conservation groups, wildlife protection organizations;

• Urge the government to create effective laws and enforce them to protect the lions;

• Consider writing a blog post or an article on the importance to protect lions;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #WorldLionDay.

It's International Clouded Leopard Day!

This day was created to raise global awareness about these animals and to increase the profile of Clouded leopards.

Clouded leopards are wildcats inhabiting dense forests from the foothills of the Himalayas through mainland Southeast Asia into South China. These animals are mostly threatened by habitat loss following large–scale deforestation and commercial poaching for the wildlife trade. They are also popular in the wildlife trade for their skins, claws, and teeth for the purposes of decoration and clothing.

The clouded leopard is listed in CITES Appendix I and protected in the range-countries. For instance, hunting is banned in Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. In the United States, the clouded leopard is classified as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act, which makes it illegal to trade in the animal or their body parts.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the clouded leopards, threats they face, and conservation efforts;

• Raise awareness in your community about how we can protect this species;

• Consider volunteering with organizations that work on the conservation of clouded leopards;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #InternationalCloudedLeopardDay.

It's International Tiger Day!

This day was created to raise awareness about these endangered wild cats. This day is celebrated annually on July 29th around the world and was founded in 2010, when the 13 tiger range countries came together to create Tx2 – the global goal to double the number of wild tigers by the year 2022. The theme of this year for the holiday is "Their Survival is in our hands."

Tigers are royal and majestic animals who play an important role in maintaining the health and diversity of an ecosystem. They are one of the top predators and keep the population of wild ungulates in check, so the balance of prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed is maintained. The major threats to these animals now include habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trading of tiger’s body parts. Unfortunately, tigers are also among the species of animals that are on the edge of extinction.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the different species of tigers, their characteristics, and the threats that are posed to them;

• Raise awareness in your community about how we can save the wildlife by urging the public and the government to regulate and manage wildlife population with strict laws and proper enforcement;

• Consider volunteering with animal organizations or conservation groups either locally or remotely to help save these animals;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #InternationalTigerDay or #GlobalTigerDay.

READ OUR BLOG ON BENGAL TIGERS

It’s Shark Awareness Day!

This day was created to highlight the importance of sharks in our lives and the entire ecosystem.

Sharks are one of the oldest species in the marine environment, they arouse approximately 400 million years ago. They are the apex predators in the marine environment, maintain and keep our oceans healthy.

Approximately 100 million sharks are killed annually, tens of millions of them are killed for food consumption. The major threat for the sharks' population is fishing, which also includes bycatch. Sharks are caught for the shark finning process, after which fins are put on the market for decoration or shark fin soup. Catching the aquatic species of animals causes extreme stress, but shark finning is an extremely cruel practice.

There is an urgent need to elevate the status of sharks in the legal system and there is a necessity to stop fishing and overfishing activities that greatly impact the population of these aquatic animals, as well as other aquatic animals that are dependent on each other in the marine environment.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the sharks and rays, their general characteristics, and the threats they face;

• Raise awareness about the necessity to stop fishing activities that harm sharks species and the marine environment;

• Consider donations to the organizations that work on the conservation and management of sharks;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #SharkAwarenessDay.

READ MORE

It's World Oceans Day!

This day was created by the United Nations to raise awareness about the Earth's oceans and the necessity to protect them. The theme for this year is “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.”

Oceans cover the overwhelming majority of Earth, and our lives depend on keeping the oceans healthy. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and it is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world.

Currently, approximately 90% of big fish populations are depleted and 50% of coral reefs are destroyed, and there is an urgent need to protect and preserve the ocean. Lots of aquatic animals are dependent on our everyday life use. It is important to advocate for animals and take necessary steps to prevent fishing, illegal fishing, overfishing, plastic pollution, etc.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the importance of the oceans in our lives and their inhabitants;

• Visit the coast and observe the ocean, if you have a chance;

• Reduce single-plastic use and recycle properly;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #WorldOceansDay;

• Advocate for animals who need our help in creating a healthy environment for them.

It's World Otter Day!

This day was created by the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) to raise awareness about otters, threats that they face, and means for protection. This day was originally Otterly Mad Week in 2009 but became International Otter Awareness Day in 2014. Finally, in 2016, it was officially proclaimed as World Otter Day.

Otters are found almost everywhere on Earth, particularly in the Pacific Ocean. Otters are threatened by human activities, such as fishing gear entanglements, boat strikes, oil spills, pollution, etc. It is important to take action now to prevent these animals from being in danger.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the otters, their characteristics, and the threats that they face;

• Consider donations to the organizations that work on protecting otters;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media and using the hashtag #WorldOtterDay.

It's International Day for Biological Diversity!

This day is a United Nations–sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues, held annually on May 22. This day also falls within the scope of the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals.

Biodiversity Day 2021 is being celebrated under the slogan: "We're part of the solution #ForNature". The slogan was chosen to be a continuation of the momentum generated last year under the over-arching theme, “Our solutions are in nature,” which served as a reminder that biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the endangered species in your area and threats they face;

• Refrain from buying the products made out of endangered flora and fauna;

• Consider donations to a recognized wildlife organization;

• Spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #ForNature and #InternationalDayforBiologicalDiversity.

It’s World Bee Day!

This day was created by the United Nations to raise awareness of the importance of bees, the threats that they face, and their contribution to sustainable development.

Most of the 25 000 to 30 000 species of bees, the ambassadors of pollinators, help a lot of food crops and plants reproduce. Apart from ensuring the abundance of fruits, nuts, seeds, bees also help improve the quality and increase the variety of foods we consume. There are other pollinators among animals, such as bats, non-flying mammals (rodents, lemurs, tree squirrels), and some birds (hummingbirds, sunbirds, honeycreepers).

Bees are currently threatened with an extinction rate of 100 to 1000 times higher than normal due to anthropogenic activities, namely intensive farming practices, land-use change, mono-cropping, climate change, etc. There is a need to take action because the nutritious crop can result in a decrease and lead to an imbalanced diet.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the bees and why they are important in our lives;

• Avoid using pesticides that can harm bees and use them in windless weather early in the morning or late at night when bees withdraw from blossoms;

• Plant nectar-bearing flowers;

• Spread the word sharing on social media using the hashtag #WorldBeeDay and #SaveTheBees.

It's International Respect for Chickens Day!

This day was created by the United Poultry Concerns in 2005 to raise awareness about these amazing birds that oftentimes are left unattended.

Chickens are smart and social animals, capable of feeling pain and suffering. However, they are cruelly exploited in various fields. Billions of chickens are slaughtered every year for food consumption and also used in research to study vision, embryonic development, environmental toxicity testing, etc. Sadly, anti-cruelty regulations do not apply to chickens, and they remain unprotected in the legal system.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the chickens, their natural behavior and needs;

• Urge the government to protect chickens by law;

• Consider visiting a farm sanctuary and socialize with chickens;

• Spread the word and share on social media using the hashtag #InternationalRespectForChickensDay.

It's World Tuna Day!

This day was created to raise awareness and highlight the importance of tuna fish and ensure their protection.

More than 96 countries are working on the conservation and management of tuna. In certain areas, the major threat to tuna is fishing and overfishing activities, and some species - the southern bluefin tuna - made the species near extinction.

Tuna are unique aquatic creatures and are capable of maintaining their bodies' temperature above that of the surrounding water. Tuna consumes different species of fish, such as mackerel, herring, squids, and crustaceans. Tuna, like many other species of fish, are able to suffer and feel pain.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the tuna, their characteristics, and threats;

• Read about the fish sentience and learn how fishing activities can harm tuna;

• Urge the government and the public to include tuna into the legal instruments within your country/region/area;

• Share the information on social media using the hashtag #WorldTunaDay.

It's World Penguin Day!

This day was created to raise awareness about these animals and to highlight their importance in the entire ecosystem. This day also takes place during the annual northern migration of Adélie penguins.

At present, there are approximately 17 species of penguins in the world, among them, 10 species are considered Endangered or Vulnerable and 3 are listed as Near Threatened, according to the IUCN Red List. The major threats for penguins include overfishing, pollution, plastic and oil spills, and, of course, climate change that affects their habitat. It is important for each of us to take small steps to protect these animals.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the penguins, their habitat, and general characteristics;

• Consider donations to the organizations that work on conserving these animals;

• Raise awareness among your family, friends, colleagues about the threats that penguins are facing;

• Learn more about how we can help save these animals and share on social media using the hashtag #WorldPenguinDay.

It's Earth Day 2021!

Earth Day is an annual celebration on April 22nd and was created in 1970 to highlight support for the protection of our planet, including animals, the environment, and all living beings.

For the past hundreds of years, Earth has altered in many ways. It, unfortunately, continues to change due to the climate change effect that is caused by anthropogenic activities. The latest events around the world - wildfires, ice storms - especially demonstrated that there is an urgent need to take into consideration our everyday life habits. Habitat degradation is one of the dominant causes for a lot of species of animals becoming vulnerable, endangered, or even extinct. Fishing and overfishing activities are other issues that harm animals, the environment, and our planet in general.

If measures and necessary steps from each of us are not taken now, our planet may simply disappear.

It's National Dolphin Day in the U.S.!

This day is another opportunity to recognize these extremely intelligent marine mammals inhabiting our oceans.

Dolphins are known for being highly social creatures having a well-developed sense of touch. Unfortunately, thousands of dolphins are mostly threatened by fishing for the purposes of consumption in some countries and entertainment in every part of the world, i.e, aquariums/seaquariums, which deprive them of performing their natural behavior.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the dolphins and their characteristics;

• Learn the difference between dolphins' life in the wild and in captivity;

• Refrain from visiting dolphin shows, aquariums/seaquariums;

• Consider donations to the conservation groups that work on saving the dolphins;

• Dedicate a blog post and share it on social media using the hashtag #NationalDolphinDay.

It's World Stray Animals Day!

Stray animals are the result of abandoned pets, which led to overpopulation. A lot of stray animals that were placed in shelters are at risk of being euthanized if not adopted. Another issue is the use of stray animals by some countries for food consumption/market.

For instance, in Asia, China has the most stray dogs (27.4 million), followed by Russia (15 million), Japan (12 million), the Philippines (11.6), and India (10.2 million).

Let us remember about these animals that suffer every day wandering on the streets and reconsider our attitude towards them.

How to stop overpopulation?

• Considering spaying/neutering your pet;

• Think carefully before getting a pet - it is a lifetime responsibility;

• If adopted, keep your pet for life;

• Work, volunteer, and fight against puppy mills; and

• Consider adopting a pet instead of buying them in the store.

It's World Aquatic Animal Day!

April 3rd is an annual day dedicated to aquatic animals! 

Today, we wish to raise awareness for these magnificent creatures, the various threats they face, and how we, as human animals, impact them and their habitats. They are valuable to us not only as a society and to the environment but are also individuals with intrinsic value.

Aquatic animals may be covered in some animal protection acts in theory, but the legislation may not be enforced. Unfortunately, a lot of Asian countries do not protect aquatic animals by law.

We encourage you to get involved from home and participate by sharing your appreciation for aquatic animals and learning how you can protect them.

To learn more about World Aquatic Animal Day, what you can do, and how to join the events scheduled by the Center for Animal Law Studies, go to worldaquaticanimalday.org

It's International Day of the Seal!

This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance to protect and conserve seals from human-man threats. These marine mammals can be found throughout the world, in the Northern Pacific Ocean between Asia and North America, some species inhabit the coasts of South America, Antarctica, Africa, and Australia. Seals have been hunted for a long period of time to be used as meat, fur coats, and blubber, thus, many species have become endangered.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the seals and what threats humans can pose to them.

• Watch a documentary about seals, e.g, “The Hidden Seals of Siberia” or “Playground of Seals.”

• Consider donations to the organizations that work to conserve these mammals.

• Dedicate a blogpost about the protection and conservation of seals and share it on social media using the hashtag #InternationalDayoftheSeal.

It's World Sparrow Day!

This day was created to raise awareness about the importance of sparrows in the ecosystem. World Sparrow Day was started by the Nature Forever Society of India and the Eco-sys Action Foundation of France. The day is aimed to encourage people to take care of birds and protect them by all possible means.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the sparrows' general characteristics and habitat.

• Organize a virtual event in your local area.

• Share a blogpost on social media using the hashtag #WorldSparrowDay.

It's National Horse Protection Day in the U.S!

The day was created to raise awareness about these magnificent animals that symbolize freedom. This day also aims to help horses find their forever homes.

Horses are neglected and abandoned most of the time by owners and horse breeders or dealers. Horse meat is consumed in different parts of the world and some cultures consider it a delicacy. They are also used for sports, but their well-being and welfare are not taken into account, thus, they are maltreated, injured, abused.

How to celebrate?

• Try visiting horse sanctuaries to bond with these majestic animals.

• If you become a witness of a neglected or abandoned horse, report the animal welfare officer.

• Get involved in improving legislation on livestock protection in your country.

• Consider donations or other ways to support non-profit organizations focusing on rescuing horses.

• Share your post on social media using the hashtag #NationalHorseProtectionDay

It's World Spay Day!

This day was created in 1995 by the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association to raise awareness about the necessity to spay/neuter.

Why spaying/neutering is important?

• It saves a lot of animals' lives - millions of cats and dogs are euthanized because they do not find homes.

• It reduces cases of the common types of cat and dog cancers.

• It prevents the overpopulation of dogs and cats.

• It makes more room in animal shelters.

It's World Pangolin Day!

Today is the tenth annual celebration of World Pangolin Day! This day is another opportunity to raise awareness about these animals that are often poached and trafficked in the wildlife trade.

Pangolins are unique mammals, and there are eight species of pangolins on Earth. Their population is declining due to the illegal trade for meat and traditional Chinese medicine. Four species of pangolins inhabit Asia: Indian Pangolin, Philippine pangolin, Sunda Pangolin, and Chinese Pangolin. The remaining four species inhabit African countries.

How to celebrate?

1. Support organizations that work on the conservation of these animals.

2. Learn more about these mammals and share on social media using the hashtag #WorldPangolinDay.

3. Dedicate a blog post or an article to pangolins.

4. Inform local authorities if you become the witness of the illegal trade of pangolins.

5. Request your law enforcement to strengthen the regulations with regard to the protection of pangolins.

It's National Golden Retriever Day in the U.S!

This day was created by Kristen Shroyer in 2012 and the day was chosen as the birthday of the owner's golden retriever, Quincey. The day is dedicated to recognizing these extremely smart and calm-tempered dogs on February 3rd every year. Golden retrievers are the fourth smartest dogs and considered the best therapy dogs.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about golden retrievers and share information on social media using the hashtag #NationalGoldenRetrieverDay.

• Consider donations and support golden retriever organizations.

• Adopt a dog from the shelter.

It's International Zebra Day!

This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance to conserve zebras through national, regional, and global efforts.

Despite some of the species' population growth, the day was created to draw the public's attention to the necessity to protect zebras. The biggest threats include habitat loss due to farming, ranching, droughts, diseases, competition for water with livestock, as well as poaching.

Currently, there are three extant species: the Grevy's zebra, the mountain zebra, and the plains zebra - all native to sub-Saharan Africa. According to the IUCN Red List, they are listed as Endangered, Vulnerable, and Least Concern respectively.

How to celebrate?

• Learn more about the species of zebra, their characteristics, and features;

• Share the information about the possible threats to zebras and conservation efforts;

• Consider donations to conservation organizations; and

• Refer to our partners from Africa: Animal Law Reform Africa and LAPA Africa to seek assistance and consultation in legal issues with regard to animals.

“Some birds are not meant to be caged, that's all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild. So you let them go, or when you open the cage to feed them they somehow fly out past you. And the part of you that knows it was wrong to imprison them in the first place rejoices, but still, the place where you live is that much more drab and empty for their departure.” ― Stephen King

It's International Animal Rights Day!

This day is dedicated to reminding everybody that animals are sentient beings, are capable of feeling pain and suffering, and are victims of everyday crimes.

Today is the day to highlight the necessity of granting basic legal rights to animals and to recognize the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW).

READ MORE

It's Wildlife Conservation Day!

Thousands of species of wild animals are have always been threatened by both natural factors and human activities. Wildlife crime and illegal wildlife trade are a widespread issue in almost every country around the world.

On this day, we want to remind of one of the biggest problems associated with animal law. The day was initiated in support of the Endangered Species Act and to stop wildlife crimes.

READ MORE

It’s National Mutt Day in the U.S!

A mutt, otherwise called a mixed-breed dog, is a dog not belonging to any officially recognized breed and is not the result of intentional breeding. Mutts do not lose their natural value and can equally be well-trained, smart, and caring, although they are considered to be less commercially valuable than intentionally bred dogs.

National Mutt Day reminds us to save, think, embrace, and care for mixed breed dogs. Millions of loving and healthy dogs in animal shelters are waiting to find them forever homes.

White House has a tradition of pardoning a turkey every year on Thanksgiving Day, which was first started by the President Abraham Lincoln's clemency to a turkey in the 1860s.

Thanksgiving Day is a perfect day to remember to express gratitude to your family, friends, animals, and your loved ones. Today give a hug to your companion animal, hug a tree, pet an animal.

"It is a fundamental duty for us to be compassionate towards all living creatures." - Constitution of India

On the first Saturday of November, Americans honor one of the most majestic animals in the country. Bison, also known as the American buffalo, inhabited the lands of North America and became a historical symbol of the United States. In 2017, there were counted approximately 500 000 in the U.S.

How to observe National Bison Day?

• Read about the bison;

• Visit an American museum featuring the history of the bison;

• Drive through a National Park to see living bison in their natural habitats;

• Learn the history of their population and their role in American culture.

Learn more about the species of Asian bison.

November 1 is the World Vegan Day!

The event was first established by Louise Wallis in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organization and the coining of the terms "vegan" and "veganism."

Animals are living beings and individuals deserving the strongest protection under the law and consideration from the public. Being vegan will save a dozen animals' lives, the environment, nature, and is beneficial for health.

Asia has the fastest growing economic region, and agriculture is very intensive than on any other continent given the widespread practice of farming both land and aquatic animals.

October 26th is the #NationalMuleDay in the United States. A mule is the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey. “Mule Day” has been dedicated to the livestock shows and mule market, where people can see a mule-driving contest, a horse show, square dances, etc, which have a negative impact on the mules’ mental and physical health.

Asia is the second world’s largest region with a population of mules (4 million) following the continents of the Americas (6.5 million). In the 2017 ranking, mainland China has been recognized as the second top mule producing country (1.9 million) following Mexico (3.2 million).

IALA tributes this day to raise awareness about the exploitation of mules. Share this post to improve the welfare of this species!