PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has a great list of things we can do to help animals in 2016.
It’s horrible to think of, but every now and then, we need to look into that big bad world where all animals are not treasured likes ours. Thank you for reading today’s post and giving it some thought. (And I promise the next post will be on happier topics).
1. Be a nosy neighbour.
Uneasy about what you’re seeing at your neighbour’s? Call someone. You don’t have to give your name.
Watch how your neighbours treat their animals. See something that makes you uncomfortable? Don’t hesitate to intervene. In most areas you can report anonymously. You might be that animal’s last hope.
Even reporting stray pets is a very important part of helping animals – we all think someone else will call. But no one does.
You can start at your local municipality level (public health, SPCA, police) and work your way up to regional and national groups. Just google “report animal abuse” to get started.
2. Pledge to help end animal homelessness
Adopt from shelters; don’t breed or buy until every pet has a home. Always spay and neuter, since overpopulation is the number 1 cause of homeless pets. If you can’t adopt, consider fostering. As a foster parent, you care for the pet while he grows, or recovers from illness or surgery. Meanwhile, you’ve freed up another spot in the shelter.
3. Scour social media
Sick as it is, many animal abusers are proud of their cruelty and post videos online. Others are just plain ignorant as to what constitutes abuse. No matter, if you see evidence, speak out and report it. www.PETA.org/CID
Spotting and reporting animal abuse not only helps the animal, it might save a human life.
A recent study in Milwaukee, based on data from the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys is quite shocking. 76% of animal abusers also abuse a member of their family. The premise is that if more people can be convinced to dial 911 when they suspect animal abuse (an act generally considered to be easier than reporting domestic abuse), then the police will then have the opportunity to uncover a higher number of domestic violence cases.
4. Stay alert in parking lots
Parked cars are deathtraps for dogs in warm weather. If you see a dog alone in a hot car, get the owner paged and/or call local humane society staff or the police. Don’t leave until the situation has been resolved.
And like spotting abuse, your sharp eye might help a child. Last summer, 19 children died in the United States because they were left in hot cars. Speak up and encourage giant retailers like Walmart to start posting highly visible signage in parking lots — warning customers that they should not leave children or animals in unattended cars — no matter how quick the trip to the store may be.
It doesn’t stop with warm weather. Where temperatures drop below freezing, you can bet there are forgetful or unaware owners leaving their pets to suffer and freeze.
5. Keep cats safe and indoors
Letting cats roam outdoors is just plain dumb. They are a danger to native birds and other wildlife – and they can easily be hit by a car. Keep all animals safe by keeping your cats inside.
6. Support all cruelty investigations, including PETA’s
Cruelty investigations rescue all types of animals from crisis situations including overcrowding, cruelty, abuse and even torture.
Your financial support assists these dedicated workers, inspectors and agents on the frontline of animal protection.