International Animal Rights Day
International Animal Rights Day on 10 December calls for animals to be recognised as sentient beings. It shares its date with Human Rights Day.
- UK
- USA
- Ireland (not marked)
- Canada (not marked)
- Australia (not marked)
- New Zealand (not marked)
- UAE and Gulf (not marked)
- International
About the day
International Animal Rights Day is held on 10 December, the same date as Human Rights Day. That date marks the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
Campaigners use the day to call for all animals to be recognised as sentient beings and to end deliberate cruelty. It has been supported by groups such as Uncaged, a UK animal rights organisation.
It suits animal welfare charities, vegan and plant-based brands, cruelty-free cosmetics companies, ethical retailers and education providers.
Dates for the next three years
| Year | Date | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday 10 December 2026 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
| 2027 | Friday 10 December 2027 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
| 2028 | Sunday 10 December 2028 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
Sectors this day suits
Types of business that could link their activity to this day.
- Animal welfare charities
- Plant-based food
- Cruelty-free beauty
- Ethical retail
- Education
Questions and answers
When is International Animal Rights Day 2026?
International Animal Rights Day 2026 is on Thursday 10 December 2026. It falls on the same date every year.
Who organises International Animal Rights Day?
International Animal Rights Day has no single organiser. Many organisations mark it independently.
Where is International Animal Rights Day marked?
International Animal Rights Day is marked in the UK and the USA, and internationally.
Where do these details come from?
We checked these details against two sources, including South Eastern Regional College: International Animal Rights Day. They were last checked on 28 October 2026.
Where this information comes from
- South Eastern Regional College: International Animal Rights Day
- VegNews: International Animal Rights Day
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