How Can You Be Kind to Animals
During Be Kind to Animals Week?

By Tamara Sevigny

If you have considered volunteering at a shelter, helping with a breed rescue, or getting active in animal welfare, Be Kind to Animals Week, May 4-10, 2008, is a great time to get involved.
In addition there are many things you can do to raise awareness of animal cruelty. There are simple things you can do during Be Kind to Animals Week and throughout the year to show kindness to animals:
- Speak out! Get active in animal welfare and legislation. Sign up with www.americanhumane.org to receive their timely Action Alerts.
- Reporting animal abuse may sound like obvious advice. But remember, it is better to be unsure and make a report then it is to wonder if an animal is suffering. Violence against animals is tragic, but it is also a red flag for other violent behavior, including crime and domestic abuse.
- Show your appreciation for wildlife. A simple way to do this is make your yard animal friendly.
- Volunteer. Even a few hours a month is a great help.
- Make a donation to an animal shelter, breed rescue or welfare society. Your monetary donation can supply homeless pets with food, warm beds, health care and items that are needed for the shelter. It can also help in rescuing those in need.
- Share your ideas with others. Teach your friends, family and especially children about the importance of being kind to animals.
- When it is time for you to invite a new pet into your home visit the local shelters. Many pets are without a home. This also helps reduce the need for euthanasia in many healthy pets.
- Most importantly, be a responsible pet owner. Keep an ID tag on your pet, even if they are indoor pets. Make sure your pet has regular wellness visits with your vet, proper dental care, a balanced diet, fresh water and toys. And play with your pets! You canÅft give them anything better then a lot of love.