World Animal Day is being observed on October 4. The observance is meant to highlight and promote the lifesaving work performed by veterinarians and animal wlefare organizations across the world. The issues of animal rights and welfare are raised.
The first observance took place in 1925 in Berlin, Germany. It was founded by writer and animal activist Heinrich Zimmermann, author of Mensch und Hund (Man and Dog).
Each year, a different theme is chosen which helps pet owners to remember the importance of various aspects of animal care.
The importance of vaccinations in disease prevention, animal health and welfare have been emphasised. Above all, animal vaccination helps immensely in reducing risks of human exposure to many zoonotic diseases.
However, due the COVID-19 crisis, the events such cattle shows, awareness rallies, vaccination to animals, brucellosis testing and animal cleanliness drives, etc, are not taking place.
Over the last few years, the awareness is also being raised about the animal-assisted therapy as a complementary therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment for people with special needs, old, lonely and ailing.
Therapy is a designed intervention by a trained counselor or therapist to help an individual or a small group of individuals to come to terms with, accept, and deal with disturbed psychological and emotional feelings, ideas, and actions that cause depression or other mental health problems.
Generally, therapy animals are specially trained and certified as emotional psychological support animals for support services and mental well-being.
Some dogs are also trained as service animals these days to assist in the daily life activities of the old people and those with special needs.
However, spending with a pet and watching their playful activities has a therapeutic value as shown in the inset micro-video.
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