It’s estimated that one animal is abused every 60 seconds around the world. However, this number could be even higher as much of it goes unreported, and unprosecuted. Animals deserve to be treated ethically, and days such as National Animal Rights Day work towards a life where animals are free from harm and exploitation. So, we had to ask: What is the most important information you need to know about this year’s National Animal Rights Day?

👉 Official Name: National Animal Rights Day
💚 Cause: Giving a voice to animals and raising awareness of their rights
📅 Next Date: June 28, 2026
🌐 Official Website: https://thenard.org
🐦 Hashtag: #NationalAnimalRightsDay

Keep on reading to find out all the important information about National Animal Rights Day at a glance, including its big picture, why it’s important, and how you can get involved. We’ll then share its brief history, three interesting facts about it, its future dates, and how you’ll never miss any important awareness event again.

The Most Important Information About National Animal Rights Day at a Glance

1️⃣ The big picture: National Animal Rights Day (NARD) is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of June. The day is commemorated in more than 50 countries, making it one of the biggest globally coordinated animal rights events in the world. During NARD, events are held in major cities across each country to commemorate the billions of animals that die by human hands every year and inspire change. 

2️⃣ Why it is important: Around 10 million animals die from abuse in the US alone every year. As well as this, a further 110 million animals are killed in laboratories annually, with over 78 billion animals killed for food each year around the world. Getting involved in National Animal Rights Day can help raise awareness for this important cause. The National Animal Rights Day events are unique in format, starting with a memorial for the many animals that have died that year, followed by a celebration of the progress made toward ending the suffering of animals. 

3️⃣ How you can get involved: You can celebrate National Animal Rights Day by partaking in a local NARD event, or helping to bring light to animal rights:

1. Attend a National Animal Rights Day Event: On National Animal Rights Day, events are held in countries and cities around the world. So, you could see if there is a NARD event local to you and join in the memorial and celebration, meeting with other people who are fighting for the end of animal suffering.
2. Educate others: Many people are unaware of the reality of animal abuse, from the cruel conditions many farmed animals are kept in, to puppy mills, and laboratory testing. Sharing your knowledge with others can help advocate for real change towards a more compassionate planet.
3. Go Vegan: Perhaps one of the best ways to advocate for animal rights would be to switch to a plant-based lifestyle to ensure your diet is not causing harm to animals, as well as any other products you use in daily life such as shampoos and cleaning chemicals.

Below are our favorite charities that are especially relevant for National Animal Rights Day:

• 9 Best Charities That Promote Veganism
• 21 Best Charities for Helping Farm Animals
• 9 Best Animal Rescue Charities

A Brief History of National Animal Rights Day

When was this event established: National Animal Rights Day was founded in New York in 2011 by the non-profit organization made up of a group of animal activists, ‘Our Planet. Theirs Too’. These conservationists wanted to highlight the cruelty that animals face and fight for all species to be treated compassionately. 

How has it developed since then: National Animal Rights Day has been held annually, growing to be commemorated in 50 countries. In 2024, there were events held in 175 cities in North, Central, and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and Africa. The vision of National Animal Rights Day is to establish itself in every country on earth, and be a day that will “continue to be observed until all animals are free from enslavement and their rights are established and protected by law.”

3 Interesting Facts About National Animal Rights Day

1. Animal Abuse on the Rise: Sadly, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has found that cruelty against dogs has increased by a staggering 27% since 2020.
2. Cruelty to Animals: A 1997 study found that animal abusers are five times more likely to cause harm to humans, and a 2013 study found that 43% of those who committed school massacres also committed acts of animal cruelty, usually through harming cats or dogs. Through protecting animal rights, we can also protect human rights and prevent harm to all species.
3. The History of Veganism: Though veganism seemed to be a hot new trend in the 2010s, avoiding eating animal products can actually be traced back over 2,000 years! As early as 500 BC, the Greek philosopher Pythagoras reportedly followed a vegetarian diet, and the Buddha (Siddhārtha Gautama) was discussing meat-free lifestyles with his followers.

Upcoming Dates of National Animal Rights Day

National Animal Rights Day is observed every year on the last Sunday of June.

Never Miss an Awareness Event Again

Sources

• The Humane Society: Animal Cruelty Facts and Statistics
• National Animal Rights Day: Home
• News Live: National Animal Rights Day celebrated for the first time in Guwahati City
• Shelter Animals Count: Animal abuse facts and statistics 2024
• Plant Based News: How Many Animals Are Killed For Food Everyday?
• Compassion in World Farming: Animal Cruelty
• The Humane Society: Stopping Puppy Mills
• Humane Society International: About Animal Testing
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Charities That Promote Veganism (Complete 2024 List)
• Impactful Ninja: 21 Best Charities for Helping Farm Animals (Complete 2024 List)
• Impactful Ninja: 9 Best Animal Rescue Charities (Complete 2024 List)
• National Animal Rights Day: Events
• RSPCA: One dog abused every hour: cruelty to dogs on the rise
• Animal Legal Defence Fund: The Link Between Cruelty to Animals and Violence Toward Humans
• The Vegan Society: History