Be Kind to Animals Week

In 1915, American Humane initiated Be Kind to Animals Week® in hopes of inspiring millions of Americans to come together and show their compassion—and build a more humane world—for animals. Over a century later, Be Kind to Animals Week® is still celebrated annually during the first full week of May and is the longest-running, most successful humane education campaign in American history

“The need for compassion has never been greater,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “I hope every American will join us in celebrating ‘Be Kind to Animals Week’ and making a difference for all the creatures of the Earth – not just during these several days, but all year round.”

“The Love you give animals they give back — and more!”

By Brian Alan Burhoe

From Civilized Bears

We love our animals, of course. You know this or you wouldn’t be reading this.

For us, the story isn’t so much “What can I do?” as “How do I get the Message out?”

And, to me, it’s all about spreading this simple message: “The Love you give animals they give back — and more!”

We worry about the big stuff, eh? It’s been over 100 years since President Teddy Roosevelt popularized the phrase “Climate Change” and little’s been done. Three hundred years of industrial coal and oil pollution are killing us. Six thousand years, maybe many more, of deforestation across so much of our sacred Earth is destroying our “planetary lungs.”[1]

And yet this I believe: reconnect with those we share our Mother Earth with — our animals — and we reconnect with the living Earth herself. This is the Message we’ve gotta spread!

Building a better world for all of us begins with a few simple actions.

And American Humane, “the country’s first national humane organization,” is challenging people to commit to protecting and improving the lives of millions of animals during this year’s “Be Kind to Animals Week®” (May 5th to 11th), the oldest commemorative week in U.S. history, and the nation’s longest-running humane education campaign. “First To Serve!”

American Humane is asking animal advocates to pledge to do four simple things to better the lives of animals:

Buy humanely raised foods with the American Humane Certified™ seal to support farm animals.
Adopt one of the more than 6 million animals abandoned to animal shelters each year.
Watch movies and shows that contain the ‘No Animals Were Harmed’ end credit supporting the 100,000 animal actors who entertain and educate us in film and television each year.
And visit Humane Certified™ zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers caring for the many endangered and disappearing species of the world.

American Humane will be sharing humane messages throughout the week and encouraging people to commit to kindness by sharing “Be Kind to Animals Week” content using the hashtag #BeKindToAnimalsWeek across social media platforms.

“The need for compassion has never been greater,” explained Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., president and CEO of American Humane in a press release.[2] “I hope everyone will join us in celebrating ‘Be Kind to Animals Week’ and making a difference for all the creatures of the Earth — not just during these precious few days, but all year round.”

You only have to take simple actions to make a better world for animals!

These also include the Seven Acts of Kindness to Animals:

Always treating your pets with love and affection, making sure they are kept in safe environments and have plenty of fresh water and exercise daily.
Spay or neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same.
Keep your pets current on vaccinations and make sure they are wearing up-to-date identification tags and are microchipped.
Report any suspected animal abuse or neglect to local authorities.
Teach your children that all animals are important and show them how to be kind and respectful to animals both in the home and to those they encounter in parks, zoos or in their neighbourhood.
Appreciate wildlife. Plant flowers in your yard that will attract butterflies or hummingbirds or even bees.
Drive safely through areas populated by wild animals such as deer.

“For more ideas and to show us how you are being kind to animals, follow American Humane on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.” – American Humane

So True.