Happy Monday everyone!  This is the second part of my three part series where I talk about Ways You Can Prevent Animal Cruelty And Suffering.  I’ve written several posts over the years on adopting from shelters and animal cruelty but thought that bulletizing would help put it all into perspective.  See my previous post How You Can Help Save The Animals which gives several links to websites such as protecting the street dogs, farm animals, and ending animal testing. With the help and input of the Humane Society International, I was able to collect this information. 

 

 

• Avoid stores that sell puppies – 99% of puppies bought online and in stores are from puppy mills.  Buy your pet food and other pet supplies from retailers that do not sell puppies or, even better, choose retailers that help animals and sponsor pet adoption event at their stores.
• Don’t buy wildlife products – despite numerous legal restrictions, you’ll find many wildlife products for sale around the world or illegally marked as “antiques” in this country, including ivory, tortoise shell, coral, and other “trophies” from monkey, tigers, and other animals.
• Don’t give animals as gifts – giving a pet as a gift is usually an ill-advised decision that can end tragically.  While pets can enrich our lives, they are a huge responsibility.
• Volunteer at your local animal shelter or sanctuary.
• If you see animal cruelty in your community, report it to your local police department or humane society.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper urging readers to support animal protection legislation.
• Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats.
• Adopt a pet from your local animal shelter to save the life of a homeless animal.
• Pay attention to wildlife awareness signs along roadways, and always drive the speed limit in these areas.
• Utilize your community’s parks and trail system, and demonstrate your support of wildlife habitats.
• Help end cosmetic testing on animals by purchasing cruelty-free health and beauty products.
• Shop with compassion.  Always choose garments and accessories free of fur or fur trim.
• Create a safe habitat for wildlife in your own backyard.
• Don’t support circuses that use exotic animal acts – there are many nonaminal circuses for your entertainment.
• Support local nature centers and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Make sure your pet wears a collar and current identification tags, and consider having your pets microchipped to enable them to be returned to you if they lose their collars.
• Volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center or sanctuary in your area.
• Sign petitions and pledges – adding your name to petitions on Facebook, change.org, and the Humane Society’s website is a small act that really adds up.