Today is World Animal Day. While I was out cycling today, I tried to take a picture of any animals we passed.
World Animal Day is celebrated on 4th October because this is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals (and plants.)
World Animal Day in Dutch is Werelddierendag. From what I have heard and read, most people seem to call it Dierendag.
According to Dutch websites, the first World Animal Day was celebrated on 4th October 1930. British websites say it was first celebrated in 1931.
In 2006, Kindereboekenweek (Children's book week) started on 4th October. The book theme that year was animals.
Some Dutch schools allow children to bring a pet or cuddly toy to school with them. I wonder if this is popular in other countries? This doesn't happen, as far as I'm aware, in the UK but Daan remembers his classmates bringing their pets to school.
