How You Can Become An Animal Welfare Warrior
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.
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!
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.
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!
Once you know who to call, know what circumstances warrant calling. Obviously, witnessing a dog being beaten represents a justifiable situation for calling, but dogs left chained outside without adequate food or water, for excessive durations or for hours during cold winter months also warrant a call for help. All you need do is youre your eyes open for issues of clear neglect or abuse.
Take the time to educate your children. Do your part to instill compassion and respect for animals and set a good example.3 Ensure that your children know that animals suffer much like humans, experiencing pain, sadness. Perhaps more than any other action you can take, teaching your children to respect and care for animals paves the road for a better future.
Should you witness animal abuse, avoid getting involved directly. Call the authorities and let them deal with the situation. It is difficult to stand back while abuse is going on, but you expose yourself and your family to the risk of retaliation should you try to take matters into your own hands. Responsible agencies will act even if the report is made anonymously.
Get involved in programs and activities geared towards the creation of stronger penalties. While laws may stop the abuse after it has begun, harsh penalties act as deterrents to prevent abuse in the first place. As an advocate for animal welfare, you can do your part by joining such movements as the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade and writing to your local legislators and representatives. If you are a real go-getter, start your own community action efforts and get some petitions under the noses of those who can make a difference.
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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Tagged with: animals • dog • Dogs • obedience • pet • pets • training
Filed under: Dogs
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