Contents
- What is International Animal Rights Day?
- How can you use this day to teach your child about animal rights?
- You can show love for animals every day
Ask your child what their favorite animal is, and they likely know the answer right away. Learning about animals is fun and exciting for children. It teaches them about the world around them and also allows them to express their creativity–what kid doesn’t love to pretend to be a tiger and let out their biggest roar? 🐯
As children get older and have a better understanding of nature, they may start to have questions about how humans treat animals. Namely, they may begin to wonder why we eat some animals and not others, and how those animals may experience pain. You may not have all the answers, but you can still show your child more about the animal kingdom.
International Animal Rights Day is held every year on the 10th of December, and it’s a great way to teach your child more about the animals around us. 
What is International Animal Rights Day?
On 10 December 1948, the United Nations passed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights after the atrocities of World War II. As the years passed, many animal rights activists expressed that they wanted this declaration to extend to members of the animal kingdom.
In 1998, the UN passed an official statement on animal rights, and International Animal Rights Day was born. This day sheds light on the abuse many animals face and reminds us how to treat animals with more kindness and respect.
How can you use this day to teach your child about animal rights?
International Animal Rights Day is a great opportunity to teach your child about animal rights and for your child to explore the similarities between humans and other creatures. Read on to see some of our ideas of how to honor International Animal Rights Day with your child.
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Treat your pet extra special
If you have a furry friend at home, use this as a day to give them some extra love. Make them their favorite food, or take them for an extra-long walk. Talk to your children about the role your dog 🐶 or cat 🐱 (or hamster, or even fish!) has in your family. What can you learn from your pet? How can you tell what they are feeling? What do they need to be happy and healthy?
For many children, their pets at home are how they learn about animals, and International Animal Rights Day is a great occasion to talk with your child about the rights of these pets and other animals, too.
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Spend some time in nature
Depending on where you live, you may not have easy access to a farm or zoo. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t go outside and spend time with animals! Head to your local park and look at the birds and squirrels. 🐿️ Observe how the animals interact in their groups and ask your child what the animals have in common with humans.
If you can’t get outside, watch a nature documentary together! In many ways, we’re not that different from animals, and all it takes is a little observation to see our similarities.
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Make your voice heard
Older children who better understand how animals become food might feel inspired to take action. Help them write an email, or even an old-fashioned letter, to business leaders and politicians to encourage them to pass laws that protect animals from abuse. You can also encourage your child to get involved with animal rights charities, such as Animal Equality UK or the RSPCA, whether by donating some of their weekly allowance 💷 or even volunteering at a local charity shop or animal shelter.
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Go vegan for the day
Giving up meat and animal products is a great way to show your support for animal rights. However, how your family eats is very personal, and going vegan can be expensive and time-consuming. Don’t get down on yourself if you can’t adopt this diet full-time! Instead, make small changes. Go vegan on International Animal Rights Day. Make a special vegan dinner with your children. You can even make it a regular thing–perhaps every Monday you go meatless, or you try another new vegan recipe one day a month. 🍽️ Reducing your meat consumption is a great way to not only help the environment but to show your love and appreciation for animals, too!
You can show your love for animals every day
International Animal Rights Day may only be once a year, but you can show your support for animals the other 364 days, too! By educating ourselves on animals and the mistreatment they sometimes face, we can make better decisions to help show compassion and respect to other species. It’s easy for children to get involved, too. If your child shows a passion for animal rights, encourage them to pursue it! International Animal Rights Day is an opportunity to learn more about the world, and to show love for the animals around us, too. ❤️
