Many animals depend on humans for happiness and health.
As a kid, treating pets and animals with respect is a good way to learn responsibility and kindness. Some kids might want to go a step further and help animals neglected or abused by others. This kind of volunteer work is important to building a community that respects life. There are a number of steps that kids can take to fight the mistreatment of animals.
Personal Choices
The first step to preventing abuse of animals starts with you. Each kid should make personal choices that reflect a desire to help. Always treat animals with respect, even when you're annoyed or bored. Doing so encourages your friends and family to do the same. Act responsibly when it comes to your own pets, making sure they're healthy and happy. Take care of your pet's bodily needs (food, drink, shelter, sleep), and protect them from things they may not understand. Always leash your dog when you're walking outside so that the dog doesn't run away or get into dangerous situations.
Reporting Injury or Abuse
Because animals can't speak for themselves, it's up to people to speak up when animals need help. Keep your eyes open. If you notice an animal that looks lost, injured or hungry, get help immediately. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals cautions kids about approaching unfamiliar animals. The organization recommends that kids tell an adult if an animal looks like it's in need. If you see instances where a person is directly abusing an animal, record and report details of the incident and relay this information to agencies that can do something about it, such as your local animal shelter or the police.
Volunteering
An interested kid can give his time to help shelters and other agencies fighting the mistreatment of animals. Locate shelters in your area and call them if you want to help. Many shelters encourage community support and offer volunteer opportunities to kids that include taking care of animals in shelters or helping with the day-to-day operations of the organization.
Speaking Out
Starting a dialogue about the importance of treating animals with respect is another important way that kids can help end animal abuse. Start a club that encourages kindness to animals, give presentations in school to educate others about animal abuse statistics, or talk with family and friends to get them thinking about the issue.
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