International Animal Rights Day

International Animal Rights Day is officially December 10th. On this day, animal rights advocates across the world take a stand for the respect and fair treatment that animals deserve every day.

Interestingly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights observance falls on this same day, which is not a coincidence at all. In 1998, animal activists demanded that the Declaration be expanded by the UN General Assembly to include animals on the premise that all sentient creatures have the right not to suffer pain and die at the hands of humans.

If you’re an advocate for animals, here is a little history about International Animal Rights Day along with some ways you can help protect our furry and not-so furry friends.

Uncaged, The Founders of International Human Rights Day

The animal rights association, Uncaged, first established Animal Rights Day in 1998. Highlighting any and all forms of violence against animals was the overall goal in naming this day. Members believed that since animals can’t vote, protest, or lobby on their own behalf, these responsibilities fall on humans to carry out.

Headquartered in Sheffield, England, Uncaged purposely chose December 10th as International Animal Rights Day to coincide with Human Rights Day. Today’s advocates also view animals as living creatures that deserve the same basic rights as humans.

Celebrations

On December 10th, animal rights advocates from around the world take a stand by holding candlelight vigils. We do this to encourage friends, family, and our communities to be the voice for animals, and also to draw attention to the cause. Another rights organization known as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA also encourages individuals to consider adopting a vegan lifestyle and abstain from eating animals on this day.

What You Can Do to Help

Animals can feel pain. Most everyone understands this. And many also believe that animals feel emotions and perceive feelings. These abilities, alone, make animals deserving of certain basic rights. You can help carry the torch by doing whatever you can to guard animal rights.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Refuse to support industries that use animals for entertainment and sport, such as horse racing and circuses;
• Don’t buy products that are developed using experimenting on animals;
• Teach your children to be kind to animals;
• Think of animals as companions rather than as property and encourage other pet owners to see their pets in the same way;
• Ensure your pets can always find their way home by getting them microchipped. Learn more about the importance of microchipping in our article “Reuniting Pets and their People…Why Microchips are Important“;
• Share this on social media

Want to know how you can do more for International Animal Rights Day? Contact us today, your local animal hospital in Peterborough, ON!! We offer a range of services to help you care for your animal companions, including Pet Microchipping. By ensuring your pets can always be identified and returned to you, you’re taking an important step in protecting their rights and welfare. And have a Happy Holiday Season!