Things You Can Do To Help Animals

By Tanya M. Petrokov

From The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS):

If you read this article weekly, then chances are you are an animal lover. You are one of those compassionate people who cares deeply about the welfare of animals. Compassion is, in definition, the awareness of the suffering of another and the desire to end that suffering in some way. It is what makes us human and is one of the most important qualities we can possess. If you care about the welfare of animals and have wondered what you could do to help, here is a list of eight things you can keep in mind.

1) Adopt a shelter animal and give it a second chance at a good life. Avoid purchasing an animal and choose instead to take in an animal already seeking a good home.

2) Be a responsible pet owner yourself and set a good example for others. Treat your own animal with dignity and respect and others will see that an animal’s loyalty can be earned through kindness and positive, reward-oriented efforts.

3) Always spay/neuter your pet. Inform others about the importance of spaying/neutering their own pet in an effort to control the pet population. An uncontrolled population of pets leads to abandonment and situations where there are more animals then good homes available.

4) Support your local animal shelter. They are helping animals every day but need your support to keep up their efforts. You can either volunteer at the shelter, support them financially or even just attend their events to show you care.

5)Learn to recognize the signs of animal cruelty. Notice things like missing fur, wounds, thinness, limping, fear or animals that seems neglected or left too long in cold weather.

6) When you suspect animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, follow through and call the cruelty line. Your call could make all the difference for an animal who does not have a voice of its own.

7) Teach children how to care for animals. Reinforce that animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. Parents, talk to your children and lead by example. Teachers, perhaps incorporate this important message into a classroom activity of some kind.

8) Contact your local Member of Parliament and let him/her know that, as a constituent in their riding, you are concerned about animal welfare and they should be too. Ask them for their support in enacting legislation which will update Canada’s Criminal Code to improve current laws on cruelty to animals. Laws for animal rights in Canada have remained virtually unchanged for the last one hundred years.

Doing even one of these things can ensure the well-being of animals, in both the short and long-term.