Unfortunately, too many pet owners do not care for the basic needs of their animal or treat them cruelly. To help raise awareness and prevent cruelty to animals, the ASPCA has recognized April as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Every April, the ASPCA asks for animal lovers to “Go Orange for Animals”, which includes a number of fundraising and awareness ideas you can do to help end animal cruelty. The ASPCA has suggested you partake in the following to bring attention to the issue of animal cruelty:
- Ask local businesses and offices to light up their buildings with orange light bulbs. Local news may even do a story, which should get the building owner’s attention!
- Orange ribbons and bows look great on homes, trees and even your clothes! A dollar per ribbon is a perfect way to raise some extra money for your local ASPCA or shelter.
- Ready, set, bake! Everyone loves bake sales featuring delicious treats. Organize a bake sale at a school, library, club or office and donate the proceeds to a local animal shelter.
- Put your money where your heart is! Show your support for the ASPCA with a monetary donation and follow them on Facebook.
There are also breed specific advocacy groups that specialize in helping breeds of dogs that are too often abused. The PAWS Great Dane rescue out of Austin, TX, delivers refuge to stray and unwanted Great Danes. By promoting the public awareness of animal welfare issues and finding loving and permanent homes for Great Danes, PAWS of Austin has made a huge difference in the lives of many pets and their new families. But they can’t do it alone! Please help the PAWS rescue any way you can; either with a monetary donation, fostering a dog or attending an event!