Animal Day: why it is celebrated on April 29 in Argentina and what activities are there

In Argentina, April 29 was chosen as Animal Day in commemoration of the death of Ignacio Lucas Albarracín, a lawyer who was not only president of the Society for the Protection of Animals, but also one of the pioneers in the country in the fight for animals rights.

Albarracín dedicated his life to the protection of animals. He was one of the promoters of the National Law for the Protection of Animals, enacted on July 25, 1891, and led campaigns against cockfighting, bullfighting, and pigeon shooting.

Also read: Vaccination schedule for dogs and cats: which ones should be applied to them

Ignacio Lucas Albarracín, pioneer in the defense of animal rights (Photo: General Archive of the Nation)

When is Animal Day celebrated in the rest of the world?

Animal Day in the rest of the world has been celebrated every October 4 since 1929, a date that was declared on the initiative of the World Organization for Animal Protection at a congress held in Vienna.

In turn, in 1980 Pope John Paul II declared Saint Francis of Assisi patron of animals and ecologists. From that fact the commemoration of the date began to take more boom worldwide. In many countries that day there are blessings of pets, in charge of the priests of the place.

Animal Day: free vaccination, care and awareness

Animal shelters often organize drives to raise funds. In many schools different work projects are carried out and many people commit to sponsoring an animal shelter. The municipalities implement vaccination and castration campaigns and responsible ownership days. Many animal health and food companies also join in with information and awareness talks.

Between 20 and 30% of pets with covid had cardiovascular problems. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Animal Day Agenda in Greater Buenos Aires

The Municipality of La Matanza holds the Mascotero Festival in Plaza San Justo starting at 3:00 p.m. Among the main attractions of the festival are anti-rabies vaccination for pets, responsible adoption, live shows, raffles, a fair for entrepreneurs and sports activities. In Vicente López, the activity will be from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Arenales and the river There will also be deworming and vaccination of dogs and cats by Zoonosis and protectionist groups will be invited to present animals offered for adoption. There will be the “Espacio Purina”, in which a veterinary adviser will give advice and feeding tips, a square with mini agility games for the neighbors to come with their pets and for cats, there will be the “Carpa Félix”, a space that it will have different games, organized in a tour. Berazategui will inaugurate a monument dedicated to the dogs of the city, and there will be anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats, talks and prizes. In addition, they will have a stand on the Corazón de Zona Sur website, the first municipal page for animal adoption, with information on responsible adoption, recommendations for animal care and the services provided by the Municipal Veterinary Clinic and a space with animals of the Educational Farm. In Lanús it is celebrated on the municipal beach, Av. Hopólito Yrigoyen 2863 from 10 to 13. There will be anti-rabies vaccination, responsible adoption, entrepreneurs fair, castration shifts and food delivery. Haedo will host the celebration in Albistur Villegas Linear Park (Ex. Av. Gaona, between Fasola and Fresco), from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be activities with pets, exhibitions, a free anti-rabies vaccination campaign run by the Zoonoses Department, stands with accessories and clothing for pets and a fair for entrepreneurs.

Animal Day across the country

Rosario: Calle Recreativa with information and activities, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Oroño and the river. Bahía Blanca: Urquiza 1099 (in front of the Comahue neighborhood) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Villa María: from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., it will be held at the Pereira and Dominguez Park. Games and skills for dogs, anti-rabies vaccination and adoption campaigns, horseback riding for children.Guaymallén: 10 to 12, at the Healthy Station (North Side of East Access and Allayme, New City)Cipoletti: deworming and free vaccination from 10 to 13.30 in the gym of the San Martín club. San Luis: 2 to 6 pm, in the Parque de las Naciones. Free vaccination, adoption of pets from the Municipal Shelter, awareness stand. Rawson: Plaza de la Madre from 12:30 p.m. Rabies vaccination, pet parades, volunteering.Paraná: animal health operation from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Dog Park, located in front of Petit Pisant square, on the Costanera Baja. Rabies vaccination, deworming and advice.