@suzanagartner
Be Kind to Animals occurs every year in May. Of course, we should be kind to animals every day but this occasion recognizes the need to be kind to ALL animals and show them compassion. This occasion brings awareness to animals that face suffering and violence such as those in factory farming, used in laboratory testing, and even those companion animals that are not being cared for and neglected. Sadly, some people abuse their pets or neglect them. That is the reason animal abuse registries are created and laws against animal cruelty. Reflecting on the unfortunate reality that many forms of cruelty and animal abuse exist in our modern-day society, I wanted to offer suggestions and help to protect animals. I thought of a quote from my book, A Voice for Animals: “Animals are here with us, not for us!” I mention this quote throughout my book as a reminder that we (humans) have an obligation and should always be kind to animals and respect them. We share this planet with animals, and they are here with us, they don’t belong to us.
Animals should always be treated with kindness.
Here are ways to celebrate and help animals in need:
1. Adopt a shelter or rescue animal. There are countless dogs and cats (even rabbits and other creatures) sitting in animal shelters. Adopting a shelter animal can save a life and open space for another animal in need of protection.
2. Foster a pet! Fostering also saves lives by improving an animal’s social skills, increasing their chance of getting adopted and opening space at the shelter. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering. Most shelters have programs to foster animals in need of love and care and will cover costs and expenses such as food and vet costs. You can offer them love and socialization in a nurturing home so they can have a better outcome at finding a family that can love and get them adopted!! Fostering saves lives!
3. Volunteer your time! There are so many ways to help animals at your local shelter. Unfortunately, many animal organizations are run by volunteers and they rely on people’s donations and time. You can contact your local shelter to find out how you can get involved.
4. Become an Animal Advocate. Stay informed on animal issues and write to government representatives to pass legislation that creates safe, humane communities for animals and people.
5. Report animal abuse. When you suspect an animal is in distress, please do something. You can be the voice for the voiceless. Unfortunately, animals cannot speak up for themselves. If you see a situation that looks suspicious call your local Animal Control. You can easily find animal cruelty hotlines and report them to authorities.
6. Help community cats! You can get involved in the community/feral cats in your neighborhood through trap-neuter-return (TNR). TNR is the practice of humanely trapping, sterilizing, vaccinating, and returning community/feral cats to their outdoor homes to help reduce euthanasia, eliminate reproduction, and improve the health of cats.
7. Choose cruelty-free and Go Vegan for Animals! You can choose to not support factory farming and be a responsible consumer. Choose vegan foods and products and by doing so, you are being kind to animals. You can choose cruelty-free products in which animals are not tested and know that you are making a difference for them.
8. Lastly, You can get Directly Involved in this Campaign! Did you know that American Humane launched Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915? Go to their website for more information: https://www.americanhumane.org/initiative/be-kind-to-animals-week/
I find it gratifying to be a volunteer with the Etobicoke Humane Society. As the Director of Programs and Operations for almost two years, it is meaningful work to help shelter pets and be part of the process to bring programs and help dogs and cats find loving homes. I have been an animal advocate for many years and speaking up for animals.
What about you? What is your passion and how do you plan to recognize this occasion “Be Kind to Animals” this May? Can you think of any other ways to celebrate this wonderful occasion? If so, please share your comments on our socials (Instagram: @SuzanaGartner LinkedIn: suzana-gartner) or on Substack (https://suzanagartner.substack.com/).