ANIMAL DAY

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXI, Issue 8831, 9 October 1942, Page 4

ANIMAL DAY

SUNDAY ANNIVERSARY —.— . GREATEST ANIMAL-LOVER WORLD-WIDE OBSERVANCE Sunday, October 4, was the anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the greatest animal-lover the world has ever known. With the object of directing public attention to the correct care of animals and the prevention of cruelty, that date has been chosen for the observance of the World Day for Animals, which was first observed in New Zealand in 1939.

The mere naming of a day for animals is of little use without the active co-operation of those who control animals or birds. The question arises, what can'be done? To those with pets no answer may at first seem apparent, yet sometimes innocent neglect of the correct care of animals may be unintentional cruelty. Are your yets properly cared for? Do you keep their quarters always clean and fresh? Are they always fed with the correct amount of food, and given immediate attention when sick or injured? Animals, like human beings, are just as likely to suffer from overfeeding as from being starved, and this should be carefully guarded against. Birds also should be treated properly. Do not place their cage in a draught. See that they always have fresh water and seed. Remember they like sunshine, when they are well and if the cage is inside hang it outside in the fresh air when the weather is suitable. Do no place too many birds in a small cage, as this is unhealthy and cruel to the birds. Everyone with pets or without* can help wild birds, by feeding them in winter and planting trees that the birds can use to feed on, and this brings joy to the person as well as the bird. Never permit small boys to vent their feelings on these creatures by stealing their eggs and pelting them with stones. Destroy Incurables

It is not being kind to keep seriously ill or maimed animals. After everything possible has been done to prove there is no cure and the ariimal is obviously incurable, it is cruelty for an owner who cannot bear to part with it to allow it to remain alive. If you cannot bring yourself to kill it, get someone else to do it. If a dog meets with an accident and after recovery is unable to move round without pain, do not keep it for sentimental reasons. It would be better destroyed both for its own safety and for safety on the roads, for in attempting to avoid an animal a driver may himself have an accident.

Farmers, too, should respect this day. Perhaps at the end of the day it is an effort to do other than turn “old faithful” into the paddock to get his own feed, but why should he be deprived of the feel of the “dandy” brush or the “currie” comb. The farm horse, just as much as the showy racehorse, needs grooming. But these are only the very least number of suggestions for animal care, for to list all cases of unintentional neglect and cruelty would fill columns. The thing to remember is this, firstly, if each animal lover will conduct a brief examination of his own case, and secondly give to the SJP.A.A. the fullest co-operation and help, then he can be satisfied that he has done his part.