October 4, Animal Protection Day, is commemorated throughout the world as one of the special days that aim to raise awareness about animal protection and animal rights. This day, when issues such as animal abuse, neglect and the protection of their habitats come to the fore, reminds us of the importance of the relationship humans establish with other living creatures.
HOW DID OCTOBER 4 ANIMAL PROTECTION DAY COME UP?
The history of animal protection efforts dates back to the 19th century. The Animal Protection League was founded in England in 1822 to protect animals and prevent their mistreatment. In Türkiye, the Animal Protection Association was founded in 1908.
The international meeting held in Florence in 1931 was an important turning point in the adoption of October 4 as Animal Protection Day. At the meeting attended by animal protection organizations, it was agreed to commemorate October 4 as World Animal Day.
In official sources regarding the history of World Animal Day, it is stated that German writer and animal rights advocate Heinrich Zimmermann also played an important role. Zimmermann organized the first Animal Day event in Berlin on March 24, 1925. The date October 4 was chosen because it was St. Francis' day, and it was accepted internationally in 1931.
THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF OCTOBER 4 ANIMAL PROTECTION DAY
October 4 is important to draw attention to the right to life and welfare of not only pets, but all animals in the world. This special day aims to raise awareness about violence, neglect and maltreatment towards animals and to make people more sensitive to the needs of animals.
Protection of animal habitats and continuity of natural balance are also among the prominent topics of the day. Therefore, October 4 draws attention to the fact that animals' right to life should be respected every day, rather than just remembering it for one day.
Animal Protection Law No. 5199, one of the basic regulations regarding the protection of animals in Türkiye, came into force in 2004. Within the scope of the law, there are regulations to ensure comfortable lives for animals, to protect them from pain and suffering, and to prevent victimization.
WHAT ARE ANIMAL RIGHTS?
According to the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights declared at the UNESCO House in Paris on October 15, 1978, animal rights in general are as follows;
1. All animals are born equal before life and have the same right to exist.
2. All animals have the right to be respected. Man, being an animal species, cannot destroy other animals. He cannot exploit them by violating this right. He is responsible for putting his knowledge at the service of animals. All animals have the right to humane care, care and protection.
3. No animal can be treated badly or cruel and cruel acts can be done. If it is necessary to kill an animal, it should be done suddenly, without causing pain or frightening.
4. All animals of the wild species have the right to live and reproduce in their own special natural environment on land, in air and in water. Any form of deprivation of liberty, even for educational purposes, is contrary to this right.
5. All animals of a species traditionally living in the environment of humans have the right to live and reproduce harmoniously, in the living conditions and freedom of their species.
6. All animals taken with them by humans have the right to live as long as their natural lifespan. Abandoning an animal is a cruel and despicable act.
7. All working animals have the right to limitation of work time and intensity and the right to nutritional nutrition and rest that enhances their strength.
8. Conducting experiments that cause physical or psychological pain to animals is against animal rights. This is the case for all kinds of experiments, medical, scientific, commercial and otherwise.
9. Even if the animal is raised for food, it must be cared for, sheltered, transported, and its death must be painless and frightening.
10. Animals cannot be used for the entertainment of people; watching animals and shows using animals are against animal dignity.
11. Killing an animal without necessity is a crime against life.
12. Any action that means killing a large number of wild animals is genocide, that is, a crime.
13. Animal death should also be respected. Violent scenes in which animals are killed should be banned in cinema and television.
14. Animal protection and defense rules should be represented at the government level. Animal rights should be protected by law, just like human rights.
