Sunday 4^th October is #WorldAnimalDay.

Never have all creatures great and small so badly needed the human species to stop its path of destruction and stop the rot it has inflicted on the fauna and flora of this planet.

The last few decades have seen a 68% of wildlife across the globe.  There has always been extinction, of course there has – but never at this rate.   We are driving it.

And as the number of humans on this planet rockets (now 7.8 billion, it was 3 billion just after World War II) so the numbers of wildlife have plummeted by 68% in recent decades.

Too many politicians are failing to act because they don’t actually care.  

#actionsspeaklouderthanwords.  It is up to each and everyone of us to make a pledge, in whatever form that takes, to help stop the rot and protect our wildlife, our working animals and our pets.

No action is too small.   One small action can quickly lead to another as we all discover the good feeling that helping and making a difference can give us.

#WorldAnimalDay has lots of ways you can help, wherever you are and whether you are out and about as normal as is possible or whether you are confined to home.

• There are lots of events listed on the website.  Can you join in any and spread the word about them?
• Take a look at charities that interest you.  Look at their websites, their facebook pages, their tweets.  Share their need for help, what they do, how people can get involved.
• Pick an animal you’re passionate about.  Research their charities.  What three things could you start doing today to make a difference to them?  If you’re already doing things for them, what else could you do?
• Make a pledge to help animals – there are pledges from people all over the world who want to make a difference. 
• Have a read and add your pledge
• Take selfies and share your #worldanimalday selfies with friends on social media and World Animal Day to help raise awareness of the day and encourage other people to take part. And get your animal loving friends and family members to do the same!

One thing is for sure.  We cannot sit about and wait for our politicians to get their acts together and act for wildlife.  Too many of them just don’t care enough – and they say what they think we want to hear.  If they really cared, more of them would stand up to protect nature and act. 

Please make a pledge for animals today and let’s all make a better world for all creatures great and small.

Visit the World Animal Day Website here

If you're looking for a way to spend your evenings as the nights start drawing in (it's getting dark as I type this and it's only 8pm), then how about doing some knitting or crochet to help working horses and donkeys?

The Brooke is looking for people to knit and crochet!  They've created exclusive knitting and crochet patterns so that you can make a donkey!

You can donate your donkey back to The Brooke to help them raise money for the horses, donkeys and mules who are working so very hard to help their owners and communities at the moment.  

They have other ways you can help as well, such as having a clear out and selling your stuff for The Brooke, holding a virtual quiz, make some arts and crafts to sell, and share the delights of your garden - all ways to raise money for horses, donkeys and mules.

Click your needles and head off to The Brooke to find out more. 

You may well have been watching the terrible scenes from Beirut after the explosions there and for many animal lovers, our first reaction will be – were any animals killed or injured?

The International Fund for Animal Welfare partner with Animals Lebanon.  Their offices were 2.5 miles from the blast – and though there office was in tatters, the team was safe and they have been giving the cats there veterinary treatment.

They’ve set up a dispatch system for owners to report lost pets. 

They’ve gone out to help dogs and cats who were buried in debris or roaming the streets searching for their families.  Many pets have been injured and traumatised by this terrible event but many lost pets have been reunited with their families already Veterinary care is being given.

Please donate to help

Image copyright to IFAW/Animals Lebanon

Of course, the human aid agencies are racing to help people.  IFAW is racing to help animals and I want to raise awareness of how us animal lovers can help.   Essentially it’s by donating, but you can also spread the word.

IFAW can provide essential supplies to Animals Lebanon as they rescue family pets from the rubble and give emergency veterinary care. 

Here’s what’s needed most: 

• £75 could help provide emergency kennels, both to protect rescued animals during transport, and to provide for families who’ve lost everything and need a safe place to keep their beloved pets.
• £50 could help treat an injured animal. Many animals have injuries from flying glass and debris.  
• £25 could help provide the vital equipment rescuers need – especially protective gear needed as they search through the rubble.

But remember, every bit counts. 

IFAW have partnered with Animals Lebanon for years and they have been working closely with them during the coronavirus crisis.

Please help IFAW help the animals in Lebanon.  They need us.

You can also donate via Animals Lebanon’s website.

Thinking of animals and people in Lebanon, especially those .