April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

In case you didn’t know, April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. What can you do? How can you help? I think many people if they read these two questions would automatically think, ‘Oh, I don’t have any time to volunteer’, or ‘I’m not one of those crazy activists’.

Well, you know what? You don’t have to be an animal rights activist. You don’t have to march in a parade. You don’t have to open up your checkbook and you don’t have to give up one day a week volunteering. You don’t have to do any of these to help prevent animal cruelty unless of course you want to!

There are many simple things you can do to help prevent animal cruelty. I am truly hoping that after reading this, you choose to help. Please, speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

My own personal experience throughout my life has been that pets want to love you unconditionally. They are always quick to greet you with a tail wag and a lick, or a rub and a purr. In my opinion, an animal that does not give unconditional love has been mistreated along the way by a human.

Following is a list of simple thing you can do to help. This week, in various posts, I will elaborate on each one so you can decide for yourself how you would like to help prevent animal cruelty. If everyone helped just a little, we can make a difference.

1. donate to a humane society, rescue group or shelter (or volunteer)

2. report all acts of animal cruelty or neglect

3. be a responsible pet owner – spay and neuter

4. adopt from a rescue or shelter or buy from a reputable breeder (not a puppy mill)

5. teach others – lead by example

6. teach children how to respect animals

7. vote! support legislation that will be tougher on abusers

These are just some of the ways you can help to protect our beautiful furry friends. Please read in more detail during this following week!

Sampson says, “please help!”