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.
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’s teen-friendly web content covering animal welfare is quite popular and a tremendous success at offering “humane education.” Since inception, ten $500 grants have been awarded by the ASPCA to teens who have stepped up and implemented their own animal welfare projects. It’s tremendously encouraging to me to see our children taking such an active role in important issues today.
Of course you may be wondering what, exactly, “humane education” entails. In effect, the ASPCA anchors humane education in teaching us how to care for our world. From environmental education all the way to a more granular approach focusing on our very own pets, humane education touches on all elements of environmental, community and animal welfare responsibility. The ultimate objective is a better planet for all of us.
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!
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.
Make sure your children grow up to be responsible citizens by educating them on animal welfare issues. Teach them to be compassionate and respectful of animals and ensure they know that dogs and cats experience feelings and emotions such as pain, sadness and joy just as we do. By taking this step, you are doing your part to take care of our animals well in to the future.
Get involved but don’t get involved. That one requires a little explaining. What I mean is that you should leave action to the professionals and those with the authority to act. Do not intervene directly by confronting an abuser yourself. Doing so exposes you and your family to the risk of retaliation. Call your police non-emergency number or your local humane society. They are best equipped to get the job done and will almost always accept anonymous reports.
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.
A real difference can be made by ordinary people just like you. It costs little or nothing to be a part of something bigger. Be aware, educate yourself and your children, know what action to take and get involved in programs that can change the lives of animals for the better. They give us so much love and friendship and do so much to make the world a beautiful place to live. Don’t you think they’re worth the effort?
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