Campaigning against Animal Abuse
Today I once again saw another "change your profile pic" meme on Facebook. What is it about this time? Animal abuse. Slacktivism sucks! Changing you profile picture doesn't accomplish anything. Who can honestly say that there isn't already "awareness" of this problem?
I know my blunt statement here may offend a few people, but in this case I don't care. If you truly feel animal abuse is a tragedy, here are some real-world things you can do that actually make a difference.
0. Teach your children that animals are to be respected, and pets are a responsibility for the animal's lifetime. I cannot emphasize this enough.
1. If you see, or suspect, animal abuse and/or hoarding, report it to your local SPCA/police immediately! This includes evidence of puppy-mill breeding and dog/cock fighting!
2. Volunteer at or donate to a worthwhile organization like the SPCA in your area. It doesn't have to be a big thing to make a big difference! Even donating a few bags of cat litter or dog/cat food to your local shelter helps!
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
SPCA International
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (UK)
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Australia)
3. Support local T-N-R (trap-neuter-release) programs that help reduce stray populations without euthanasia.
About TNR
4. The next time you want to bring a pet into your home, research the needs of your intended pet carefully, and look at adopting from a rescue group (species/breed-specific rescue groups are around for you who want a specific breed rather than a moggie/mutt).
5. If you are a specialist in the care of "exotic" pets (spiders, reptiles, amphibians, birds, etc.) consider whether you could help out your local shelter by offering specialist care/fostering for this type of pet.
6. If you have a healthy, happy pet dog or cat, ask your vet if they support a blood-donation program for animals. Some larger hospitals, and/or ones attached to veterinary teaching colleges do. Even your pets can become animal heroes!
I know my blunt statement here may offend a few people, but in this case I don't care. If you truly feel animal abuse is a tragedy, here are some real-world things you can do that actually make a difference.
0. Teach your children that animals are to be respected, and pets are a responsibility for the animal's lifetime. I cannot emphasize this enough.
1. If you see, or suspect, animal abuse and/or hoarding, report it to your local SPCA/police immediately! This includes evidence of puppy-mill breeding and dog/cock fighting!
2. Volunteer at or donate to a worthwhile organization like the SPCA in your area. It doesn't have to be a big thing to make a big difference! Even donating a few bags of cat litter or dog/cat food to your local shelter helps!
3. Support local T-N-R (trap-neuter-release) programs that help reduce stray populations without euthanasia.
4. The next time you want to bring a pet into your home, research the needs of your intended pet carefully, and look at adopting from a rescue group (species/breed-specific rescue groups are around for you who want a specific breed rather than a moggie/mutt).
5. If you are a specialist in the care of "exotic" pets (spiders, reptiles, amphibians, birds, etc.) consider whether you could help out your local shelter by offering specialist care/fostering for this type of pet.
6. If you have a healthy, happy pet dog or cat, ask your vet if they support a blood-donation program for animals. Some larger hospitals, and/or ones attached to veterinary teaching colleges do. Even your pets can become animal heroes!