May 06 2008
Be Kind to Animals Week
This week is American Humane Association’s “Be Kind to Animals Week®”.
Be Kind to Animals Week, observed May 4 through 10 this year, is the oldest event in the nation to celebrate the companionship, friendship and love that animals bring into people’s lives.
Animal shelters throughout the country hold special events during this week to raise awareness about being kind to animals and to teach people about the benefits of the human-animal bond.
Be Kind to Animals Week is a great time to promote the wonderful work being done by the nation’s animal welfare organizations and to encourage everyone to get involved to make a difference for animals.
How To Be Kind to Animals
Here are some simple things you can do during Be Kind to Animals week and throughout the year to show kindness to animals:
- Speak out for animals
Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation. - Report animal abuse
While acts of violence against animals are tragic in their own right, they are also a red flag for other violent behavior, including domestic abuse and violent crime. - Appreciate wildlife
Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. - Share kindness
Teach the people in your life, especially children, about the importance of being kind to animals. - Make a donation to your local animal shelter
A donation can be your time, money, or needed items like pet food or laundry detergent. Call them first and see what they need. - Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization
Approximately 8 to 12 million animals enter our nation’s shelters every year, and more than half of these pets will have to be euthanized because of a lack of homes. Local shelters are the best place to find companion animals, even purebreds — one out of every four dogs in a shelter is a purebred. - Spay & Neuter
If you have pets, make sure they are spayed or neutered. - Keep Yours Safe
Pets should be microchipped and should always wear a collar with an ID tag, so they can be reunited with you quickly if they are ever lost. Also take your pet to the veterinarian every year for vaccinations and a health check.
About American Humane
American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Founded in 1877, American Humane is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond.
American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels.
Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.
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