be kind to animals week What you can do

The mission of the American Humane Association, as a network of individuals and organizations, is to prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively, and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society. The association sponsors various observances including Be Kind to Animals Week, which is the first full week of May. Here’s what you can do to help animals:

Speak out: Get active in local animal welfare policies and legislation.

Report animal abuse: While acts of violence against animals are tragic in their own right, they are also a red flag for other violent behavior, including domestic abuse and violent crime.

Appreciate wildlife: Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures.

Share kindness: Teach the people in your life, especially children, about the importance of being kind to animals.

Make a donation: Donations of time, money or items like pet food are needed by area animal rescue groups. For example, help out Canine Crusaders with donations of money, crates, paper towels, kennels, fencing, dog food, treats, collars, leashes and blankets.

Adopt: About 8 million to 12 million animals enter our nation’s shelters every year, and more than half are euthanized because of a lack of homes. Local shelters are the best place to find companion animals. Visit www.petfinder.com or look under animal protection organizations in the yellow pages of phone book to find area rescue organizations.

Be part of solution: Help solve the tragedy of euthanasia of adoptable animals by not contributing to the problem. Have pets spayed or neutered.