World Animal Day is an international day of action for animal rights and welfare. Celebrated annually on October 4, it aims to raise the status of animals in order to improve animal welfare standards. Danielle Wilcock takes a closer look at animal welfare here in Australia and the national organisations committed to this vision. She also took the time to discuss the issue with local animal welfare advocates, Dr Deborah Abbenhuys and Jeanie Schmidt.

FIRST celebrated on March 25, 1925, World Animal Day was originated by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German cynologist, animal protection activist and dedicated editor and writer.