Here is your guide to observing National Animal Safety and Protection Month, which takes place every October. This period reminds us to be mindful of the wellness of our pets and even wild animals. They are an important part of our lives, as pets or otherwise, which is why the PALS Foundation created this month.
History of National Animal Safety and Protection Month
Animals are a part of many families and they have a history of making amazing sacrifices for their owners. For this reason and many more, National Animal Safety and Protection Month is necessary.
Animal protection has gone through a series of evolutions since decades ago up until modern times. Animal activists of centuries past believed in eating meat and they saw euthanasia as humane. Of course, that is in stark contrast to what we have now with modern animal rights activists being of the opinion that animals should be able to exist free of consumption and use by humans.
The earliest mention of animal protection in American history was in ‘The Body of Liberties of 1641’ — a comprehensive legal code was enacted by the Massachusett General Court prohibiting animal cruelty. Following this, on April 10, 1866, New York Legislature instituted a state animal protection agency — American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (A.S.P.C.A.), whose article of incorporation was drafted by Henry Bergh.
The origin of the National Animal Safety and Protection Month can not be precisely traced, but it was first started by an organization called PALS Foundation. The foundation was set up to help animals and humans coexist in a beneficial manner. According to them, every human should understand the value of wild and pet animals and the role they play in keeping our ecosystem running.
The National Animal Safety and Protection Month is also the ideal time of the year for animal advocates to come together and learn ways to prevent animal abuse, how to spot the warning signs, how to recognize the dangers that can result from such abuse, and how to deal effectively with it.
National Animal Safety and Protection Month timeline
The Massachusett General Court enacts a legal code that protects animals.
The New York Legislature launches the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco form People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
The Animal Enterprise Protection Act is passed into law.
National Animal Safety and Protection Month FAQs
What month is National Pet Month?
In the United States, the month is celebrated throughout May, and it is a period to celebrate pets and all the joy they bring.
What is the animal for the month of October?
Going by the Celtic calendar, the animal for the month of October is the butterfly.
What is animal welfare?
Animal welfare and safety refers to how an animal is coping in the conditions in which it lives.
How to Observe National Animal Safety and Protection Month
Go and microchip your pet
It is time to ensure the safety of your pet; microchip them. It guarantees that when they get lost; they're found and brought back.
Volunteer at a local animal shelter
This is a chance for people that do not own pets to be a part of the celebrations. They might even decide to foster a pet until it finds a permanent home.
Plan a zoo trip
This is a great activity for all animal lovers. What better way to celebrate animals than to go to the zoo and show some love to some furry, scaled, or feathered animals?
5 Facts About Animals That Will Blow Your Mind
A dog’s nose is unique
Just like the fingerprint on your hand, the nose of a dog has a unique print.
Octopuses?
Yes, if you were wondering, octopuses is an acceptable plural word for octopus.
Pink yolks?
The egg yolks of flamingos eggs are sometimes pink due to their shrimp consumption and algae.
Greeting the French way
Prairie dogs kiss when they greet each other.
Sleep standing up
Sperm whales sleep vertically.
Why National Animal Safety and Protection Month is Important
It prepares us for an emergency
National Animal Safety and Protection Month draws attraction to safety practices when it comes to our pets and animals around us. For example, there should be a plan for what happens to the pets in the house in cases of natural disasters or accidents.
It makes us sensitive to animal abuse
All the activities surrounding the month bring to the fore the plight of some animals and the abuse they endure. This can help us to be sensitive enough to recognize when animal abuse is taking place and how to report it.
It helps animal shelters raise funds
The month-long celebration provides the perfect opportunity for animal lovers to donate to causes and shelters that they feel connected to. This provides an avenue for these organizations to receive much-needed funds for their operations.
National Animal Safety and Protection Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
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