by Ulf Merkheimer
Hey you, yes, you! Do you know the signs to look for when it comes to animal abuse?! Do you do your part when it comes to protecting our furry four-legged friends? Unfortunately, animal abuse still exists in our world today but with education and team work, maybe, just maybe, we can make it a thing of the past.
Recognize that there are resources available to help you recognize the signs of animal abuse and to help put a stop to it. In 2008, the ASPCA, for example, partnered with a program called Do Something! Aimed at educating teens, Do Something provides an online community where teens can gather and discuss ways in which they can help make the world a better place. One of the topics covered and discussed on a daily basis is animal welfare.
Do Something provides teen friendly resources and content about animal welfare. The program is quite popular and is a huge success! Since the beginning of the program, the ASPCA has awarded ten $500 grants to teens that have taken action and implemented their very own animal welfare projects. Protecting animals is not just a job for adults; it is a job for young people as well!
So, at this point, you may be asking, “What exactly is HUMANE EDUCATION?” Well, according the ASPCA, humane education teaches us how to care for the animals in our home and communities. It fosters kindness, respect and empathy for all beings, and it teaches responsible stewardship of the environment and its diverse inhabitants. Humane education has one simple goal: to make the world a more humane and kind place!
Changing the world requires help and contribution from people just like you. If making a difference and improving the world we’ll hand down to our children appeals to you, you may be wondering how you can get started. It starts with little things that can ultimately make you a contributing member of the community looking out for animal welfare.
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!
You can also make a big difference by simply keeping your eyes open for animals frequently left chained outside for extended periods. If you notice a dog chained outside with no available food or water, make the call for intervention.
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.
Help define new and stronger laws by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. Catching bad guys in the act only does so much. The penalties for their crimes are where the real changes need to happen. By contributing to anti-cruelty petitions and writing to your local legislators demanding tougher laws, you can help make a real difference in deterring people from engaging in animal cruelty.
Making a real difference costs you nothing but a little bit of your time and there’s much you can do. It starts with awareness and education. Join together and make a difference in the lives of the animals who ask so little of us but give back so much in terms of love, loyalty and friendship. You CAN make a difference.
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