"Protecting animals is our moral responsibility": Uttarakhand CM Dhami on 'World Animal Day'

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], October 4 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on 'World Animal Day', highlighted the importance of protecting animals and maintaining harmony between humans and wildlife, calling it both a moral duty and a human duty of every individual.
In a post shared on X, CM Dhami said, "'World Animal Day' not only helps us understand the importance of animals but also conveys the message that the coexistence of humans and animals is the foundation for maintaining the balance of nature and safeguarding the future of humanity. Protecting animals, showing compassion towards them, and providing them with a safe environment is the moral responsibility and human duty of every individual."

‘विश्व पशु दिवस’ पशुओं के महत्व को समझने के साथ ही यह संदेश भी देता है कि मनुष्य और पशु का सह-अस्तित्व ही प्रकृति के संतुलन और मानवता के भविष्य की सुरक्षा का आधार है। पशुओं का संरक्षण करना, उनके प्रति करुणा दिखाना और उन्हें सुरक्षित वातावरण प्रदान करना प्रत्येक व्यक्ति का नैतिक… pic.twitter.com/A3cfwZyz3y

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) October 4, 2025

The Chief Minister also emphasised the state government's commitment to wildlife conservation.
"Our government is continuously working in this direction. Through various schemes and programs, concrete steps are being taken to conserve wildlife and maintain ecological balance," CM Dhami said.
October 4 is celebrated as World Animal Day annually. According to its official website, the mission of the day is "to raise the status of animals in order to improve welfare standards around the globe."
World Animal Day is celebrated on October 4 to raise global awareness about improving animal welfare, protecting endangered species, promoting responsible pet ownership, and fostering compassion for all living creatures, honouring the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
The day serves as a call to action for individuals and organisations to get involved in animal advocacy, conservation efforts, and fundraising to support animal rights and well-being worldwide.
The first World Animal Day was organised on 24 March 1925 in Berlin by Heinrich Zimmermann, the German writer and publisher of the magazine Mensch und Hund/Man and Dog.
However, in 1929, it was celebrated for the first time on October 4, as it is the day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, including animals. (ANI)