Disney often has us living in perfect harmony with our animal friends. The reality for the dogs and cats in our lives is sometimes less rosy. It doesn’t take much searching of the various internet news outlets to find all too many animal abuse stories out there. For those who would like to make a difference, the obstacle is often just insufficient information. Let’s see if we can change that today.
Know that there is information and there are resources out there to help you recognize the signs of animal cruelty and give you guidance on what you can do to stop it. A leader in this regard is the ASPCA which, in 2008, partnered with another wonderful organization, Do Something! Do Something’s goal is to educate teens through an online community which provides a safe setting where kids can discuss ways in which they can improve the world. One hot topic on their site covers animal welfare.
Focusing on “humane education” the animal welfare resources and, in particular, its popularity with teenagers is truly inspiring. The program has been a tremendous success, awarding ten $500 grants to teens who have started their own animal welfare projects!
If you’re wondering what “humane education” is, the ASPCA and Do Something teach us how to care for animals both in our homes and in our communities. The premise fosters respect, empathy and kindness for all beings (on two feet, 4 feet or more), and teaches responsible stewardship for the environment and its inhabitants. The one overriding goal of humane education is to make our planet a more humane and kind place to live.
There are many things you can do in your own community to prevent animal cruelty. Are you ready to step up to the plate and take action? Are you ready to start making the world a safer and kinder place for animals? If each one of us takes responsibility and lends a helping hand it is possible to dramatically reduce the number of animal cruelty cases that are reported each year. Below are a few ways that you, yes YOU, can help to prevent animal cruelty. So jump on board, let’s fight animal abuse TOGETHER!
Know who to call! For example, the ASPCA located in New York City has a team of animal cruelty officers. These officers are responsible for researching and investigating each and every animal abuse case that is reported. Find out what agency or group is responsible in your community and keep their phone numbers handy! Whether it be the local police department or a city run animal control agency, know who to call for help!
Keep an eye out for dogs in your neighborhood that are repeatedly left alone and chained outside. It is especially important to monitor their food and water supply. You might just be surprised at how many animals are chained to a tree and left with NO food or water.
Education starts at home! If you have children, talk to them about the importance of treating animals (all animals!) with kindness and respect. Teach them that animals are living creatures that have the ability to feel pain, joy and sadness. Educating children about the importance of humane treatment is VERY important, after all, they will take these valuable life lessons into adulthood!
Call for help if you see a person physically abusing or striking an animal! Never approach an abuser, instead, call one of your local agencies and file a report. Many, if not all agencies, will allow you to file an anonymous report. Though it is important to help animals that are being physically abused, you should NEVER put yourself in harm’s way.
Fight for stronger animal cruelty laws! Jump on board and join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade! If society implements stronger cruelty laws and harsher penalties maybe, just maybe, people will take the humane treatment of animals more seriously. Animal abuse is no laughing matter; make sure your voice is heard! The best way to do this is by signing anti-cruelty petitions and writing letters to your local legislators asking for tougher laws!
There are many things you can do to help animals and prevent animal abuse. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or give up a lot of time, all you have to do is open your heart and be aware of what is going on in your community. Together, we can make this world a kinder and safer place. Not only do humans deserve fair and kind treatment, animals do as well. So jump on board.let’s fight animal cruelty together!
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