"Humanity is measured not by how we interact with people, but by how we treat animals," – Chuck Palahniuk, American writer and journalist.
Every year, the third Saturday of August (this year, August 16) is dedicated to World Homeless Animals Day. This day aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by cats, dogs, and other pets left without a home. Shockingly, statistics show that 75% of animals living on the streets were once domestic companions. Abandoned, unloved, or unwanted, these animals are forced to survive in harsh conditions, often facing illness, hunger, and sometimes aggression.
This is a global issue, affecting communities worldwide, and Ukraine is no exception – the problem has become even more acute during the ongoing war. On this day, concerned citizens and animal protection organizations call on everyone to take action and show care for these vulnerable creatures.
A brief history:
World Homeless Animals Day (International Homeless Animals Day) was first celebrated in 1992, initiated by members of the International Society for Animal Rights. It is not a festive occasion in the traditional sense, but an important day to focus on the plight of our four-legged friends who are without a home.
Animal protection experts point to a major cause of this problem: the lack of a comprehensive legal framework regulating how owners care for their pets.
In Ukraine, the issue of stray animals has existed for decades, and the current war has intensified the need for action. Pets need help just as much as people do, and everyone can contribute. Practical ways to make a difference include:
- Feeding street animals: Special pet food is ideal, but human food can work as well. Never give bones – they can splinter and cause fatal injuries.
- Providing shelter: Allow access to building entrances or create makeshift shelters from available materials.
- Checking before driving: Always look under your car to ensure no animals have crawled underneath.
- Temporary foster care: Some animals, especially those recovering from surgery, cannot stay in shelters. Providing a temporary home while volunteers find a permanent one can save lives.
- Helping them find new families: Reach out to shelters, post on social media, or tell friends about animals in need of a loving home.
Homeless animals demonstrate remarkable resilience, gentleness, and love for life – qualities that reflect the best in all of us. By showing even small acts of care and kindness, we can make a meaningful difference. These animals respond to love and generosity, wagging their tails, purring softly, or greeting us with playful joy. They remain loyal to humanity despite often harsh surroundings. Let us meet their love with our own.
World Homeless Animals Day is a call to action. It is a moment to pause and reflect on those who cannot speak for themselves. Every animal deserves love, shelter, and safety. By uniting our efforts, we can create a better world for all creatures, especially our four-legged companions.
Remember, we are all part of one global family on our small planet. By helping animals, we ultimately help ourselves and make our shared world a kinder, more compassionate place.