International Animal Day is celebrated on October 4th

International Animal Day is dedicated to the celebration of all living things in nature and dates back to 1925. Heinrich Zommermann, editor of the German magazine “Man and Dog”, launched this project with the aim of promoting the idea that animals everywhere have the right to a healthy and happy life. This date coincides with the Catholic feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. We can say that Heinrich Zommermann somehow understood the reality of today’s society, that man is at war with nature. The destruction of natural habitats, water pollution and excessive hunting are activities that aim to destroy nature. This day can also be considered an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with nature, both on a personal and collective level.

Please comply with www.worldanimalday.org.uk the mission of this day is to increase the level of well-being and quality of life of all animals in the world. The goal is to connect international initiatives so that they become a force working to create a better world for all animals.

In Romania, October 4th is celebrated with an exceptional event: the inauguration of the first museum dedicated to stray dogs in the city of Plopesti-Leordeni. This initiative is part of the Messengers of Hope campaign, organized by Animal Society in collaboration with Vier Pfoten and the Speranta Foundation. On this occasion, citizens are also invited to participate in activities that promote the adoption of abandoned animals. The Speranta Foundation shelter has been operational since 2011 and currently hosts 550 dogs.

We can help abandoned animals through sterilization actions, encouraging adoptions and actions at an individual or community level.

1. Sterilization

This procedure has numerous benefits, including improving the animal’s health, reducing aggression and unwanted behaviors, and increasing the general quality of its life. The most important benefit is that neutering your pet will help it live a longer and healthier life. Furthermore, this procedure reduces and even eliminates a number of health problems. For example, spaying helps prevent uterine infections and mammary tumors in females. Neutering helps male pets prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Sometimes animals, especially males, can show aggression towards people or other animals. Early neutering helps avoid these situations. In this way the dog will have a more balanced attitude, thus being able to avoid attacking other males. Veterinarians underline the fact that sterilizing male dogs does not guarantee the solution of behavioral problems. Testosterone is the hormone that underlies the activation of unwanted behaviors such as aggression. During the sterilization operation the hormone is not completely eliminated, but only reduced. An important aspect to take into consideration is that the animal will not eliminate acquired negative behaviors. The impact of neutering depends largely on the animal’s personality, learned habits and breed.

Nature has endowed animals with the ability to mark their territory. This is an instinct that helps create the safety zone. Unneutered dogs and cats mark their territory by spraying a strong odor throughout the home. The place where they live represents for them the space that must be delimited and protected.

2. Adoption

Every year between 5 and 7 million dogs and cats, adults and puppies are killed. Adopting a pet is less expensive than buying one in a specialized shop. Most pets from shelters are lost or misplaced, rescued from various situations, or abandoned by their owners in various locations. There are situations when some people buy a pet without thinking about the responsibility of this decision and then abandon the animal.

The more time we spend with animals, the more we learn about the benefits of interacting with them. If you decide to visit a shelter dedicated to abandoned animals, you must be open and prepared for this experience. Some people immediately form relationships with animals. Other times it will take time to establish the connection with the animal. Trust your instincts. If you are open and willing to adopt an animal, you will surely find the right one for you.

Do not encourage animal trade: when you buy an animal in a store, you support only those farms whose only goal is material gain. Chickens and adult animals are kept locked in cages, without adequate food, medical care or attention. This is a real industry where animals are seen solely as a commercial product.

3. Individual initiatives and NGO projects

If we want to change the world we must start with ourselves. Accountability for personal actions and a constructive attitude are the best ways to inspire change in those around us. We can talk to NGO representatives to identify solutions regarding abandoned animals. When there is communication and initiative, positive changes are inevitable. You can also offer financial support, within the limits of your availability, to feed or sterilize animals in a shelter or you can also engage directly as a volunteer in a center of this type.
Each of us can offer support to animals, especially abandoned ones.

Through awareness and education we can help create a world where animals are respected, treated with care, fed and cared for responsibly.