World Day for Farmed Animals

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World Day for Farmed Animals (WDFA) is an international campaign to mourn and memorialize the 83 billion land animals and uncounted trillions of sea animals killed for food each year. [1] Its observance held annually on October 2, coincides with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, an advocate of nonviolence and animal welfare. [2] WDFA seeks to raise public awareness of industrial animal agriculture and to advocate for more sustainable food systems. [3] That date is also observed throughout the world as International Day of Non-violence.

Contents

History

The observance was founded in 1983 by Alex Hershaft, a Holocaust survivor and advocate for animal rights, through the not-for-profit Washington, DC-based organization Farm Animal Rights Movement. [4] Originally launched as World Farm Animals Day, the campaign was established to memorialize and mourn the millions of animals bred for animal slaughter, and to draw attention to the living conditions of animals in factory farms and other intensive agricultural systems toward ending the use of animals for food. [5] Initially centered on grassroots activism in the United States, the observance gradually expanded in scope and gained international coverage. [6] It has since been associated with various forms of public engagement, such as educational programs and symbolic activities, including government proclamations, aimed at raising awareness toward ending the use of animals for food entirely. [1]

Observance

WDFA's activities take place at local, national, and international levels and are coordinated by grassroots organizations, animal sanctuaries, and animal advocacy groups. [7] Common forms of observance include candlelight vigils, public demonstrations, educational presentations, advertising campaigns, and outreach events held in schools, community centers, and places of worship. [8]

A prominent component of the day is the Fast Against Slaughter, a campaign that invites participants to Hunger strike for 24 hours as a gesture in solidarity with farmed animals. [9] The fast is often accompanied by silent protests, online testimonials, and social media campaigns. [3]

In various countries, including India, the United Kingdom, [10] South Africa, [11] Mexico, and Australia, [12] WDFA events have included street theater, visual installations, and exhibits simulating conditions in industrial farming systems. [13]

Purpose

The purpose of the annual worldwide observance is to call public attention to the needless suffering and death inflicted each year on 83 billion land animals and a couple trillion sea animals, as well as to the severe adverse impact of consuming animal flesh and other animal products on consumer health and the global environment. The organizers believe that the only effective solution to these critical problems is to end the use of animals for food.

Activities and demands

On September 30, 2013, as part of World Day for Farmed Animals, activists from Toronto Pig Save and the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) organized a protest at Quality Meat Packers in Toronto. The demonstration included a human chain, a “die-in,” and video screenings to raise awareness about conditions in slaughterhouses. Photographs by Jo-Anne McArthur were displayed to highlight the experiences of farmed animals. Similar protests occurred across over 100 locations in North America and internationally. [14]

On September 29, 2013, local animal rights activists organized a protest at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C. The demonstration was part of WDFA, involving coordinated actions at slaughterhouses and animal agriculture facilities to raise awareness about the treatment of farmed animals. [15]

Beginning in 1983, proclamations have been obtained from over two dozen governors and mayors, including New York City, declaring October 2nd as World Day for Farmed Animals within their respective jurisdictions.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Doman, Erin. "How You Can Help Animals on World Farm Animals Day". The Humane League . Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  2. ↑ Sexton, Chrissy. "World Farm Animals Day: Taking action for animal welfare". Earth.com.
  3. 1 2 "World Day for Farmed Animals: Improving livestock welfare using smart technologies". impact.economist.com. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  4. ↑ Goodrum, Lucy (2023-10-04). "Farmed animals". Rutland Herald. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  5. ↑ "World Day for Farmed Animals". law.lclark.edu. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  6. ↑ "Consumers can improve farm animal welfare standards on World Farm Animals Day | Humane World for Animals". www.humaneworld.org. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  7. ↑ "Why World Day for Farmed Animals is so important". Animal Charity - Animal Welfare Organisation - FOUR PAWS UK. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  8. ↑ Knopp, Julie (2020-10-01). "World Day for Farmed Animals Sheds Light on Flawed Food System" . Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  9. ↑ Norman, Jackie (2021-09-30). "Rise up for the Voiceless on World Day for Farmed Animals". Vegan FTA. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  10. ↑ "Animal rights activists flock to KFC protests". theecologist.org. 11 March 2025.
  11. ↑ Daniels, Nicola (2019). "Welfare of farm animals under the spotlight on World Farm Animals' Day". IOL. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  12. ↑ Bharat, E. T. V. (1 October 2024). "World Farm Animals Day 2024: Caring And Protecting Our Four-Legged Friends". ETV Bharat News.
  13. ↑ Buzz, The FARM (2023-09-19). "10 Ways to Get Involved on World Day for Farmed Animals". thefarmbuzz.com. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  14. ↑ Smith, Garry. "Toronto Pig Save protests brutality at Downtown meat packer – TheBulletin.ca". thebulletin.ca.
  15. ↑ "Animal rights activists to protest at Agriculture Dept". The Washington Post . 25 September 2013.
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