World Animal Day or World Animal Welfare Day is observed every year on Oct. 4 with an aim to "raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe."

The day also marks the feast day of Francis of Assisi, who was regarded as the patron saint of animals.

First celebrated in 1925 by cynologist Heinrich Zimmermann, World Animal Day focuses on creating awareness about the effects of human behavior on animals.

"It's celebrated in different ways in every country, irrespective of nationality, religion, faith, or political ideology. Through increased awareness and education we can create a world where animals are always recognized as sentient beings and full regard is always paid to their welfare," the official website of World Animal Day states.

On this occasion, here are a few quotes that will inspire you to conserve animals. (Courtesy: The Random Vibez)

  • "The truth is that we will never save wildlife by killing it." – Steve Irwin
  • 'Animals are my friends, and I don’t eat my friends." – George Bernard Shaw
  • "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened." – Anatole France
  • "The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." – Mahatma Gandhi
  • "Humanity is rare but not humans. Please keep it by saving animals." – Ghazia Nawaz
  • "Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." – George Eliot
  • "It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment." – Ansel Adams
  • "Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled." – Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • "Saving animals is as simple as choosing synthetic alternatives instead of real fur." – Natalie Imbruglia
  • "Animals are near and dear to my heart, and I’ve devoted my life to trying to improve their lives." – Betty White
  • "There may be days when I can’t help an animal in need, but the day will never come that I won’t try." – Paul Oxton
  • "Don’t treat animals as animals. Treat them as living beings. That’s what they are." – Anthony Douglas Williams
The 300,000-hectare (740,000-acre) Ivindo park is is home to many engangered animals such as gorillas
The 300,000-hectare (740,000-acre) Ivindo park is is home to many engangered animals such as gorillas THE ASPINALL FOUNDATION / Handout
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