October 4 has been designated as World Animal Day, because it coincides with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, who has been proclaimed by the Catholic Church as the patron saint of animals and the environment.
The International Declaration of Animal Rights (1978)
Article 1
All animals are born with equal rights to life and the right to exist.
Article 2
1. People must respect the life of every animal.
2. Humans belong to the animal kingdom and must not exterminate or exploit other species within it. On the contrary, they must use their knowledge for the benefit of animals.
3. Every animal has the right to care, attention, and protection from humans.
Article 3
1. No animal shall be subjected to mistreatment or inhumane treatment.
2. If the killing of an animal is deemed necessary, it must be carried out instantly, painlessly, and without causing the animal any distress.
Article 4
1. Every animal has the right to live in its natural habitat (land, sea, air) and to reproduce in accordance with the laws of nature,
2. Depriving an animal of its liberty, even if done for educational purposes, is contrary to the declaration of its rights.
Article 5
1. Every animal traditionally considered a pet has the right to live according to the rhythm and conditions of life and freedom appropriate to its species. 2. Any alteration of these conditions by humans is motivated by profit and is contrary to this declaration.
Article 6
1. Every animal that is a companion to humans has the right to a lifespan commensurate with its natural longevity.
2. Abandoning an animal is considered an inhumane and degrading act.
Article 7
With regard to animals that provide services to humans, the duration and intensity of their work must be kept within reasonable limits, their diet must be adequate, and they must be given mandatory rest periods.
Article 8
1. Any experimentation on animals—whether medical, scientific, or otherwise—is contrary to animal rights if it causes physical or mental pain.
2. Efforts should be made to replace animal testing with other existing techniques.
Article 9
Animals raised for human consumption must be housed, fed, transported, and slaughtered without causing them pain or distress.
Article 10
1. The exploitation of animals for human entertainment is prohibited. 2. Animal exhibitions and performances that use animals constitute a violation of the animal’s dignity and respect for its life.
Article 11
Any act that causes the death of an animal without cause is biocide; it is a crime against life.
Article 12
1. Any act that causes the death of a large number of wild animals constitutes «genocide,» a crime against the species.
2. Pollution and any destruction of our natural environment lead to genocide.
Article 13
1. Even a dead animal deserves respect.
2. Any scene of violence on television or in the movies in which animals are the victims must be banned, and only scenes intended to raise awareness about animal rights should be shown.
Article 14
1. Animal protection and welfare organizations must be represented by each government.
2. Animal rights must be enshrined in law, just as human rights are.
