Nine Ways to Support Animal Cruelty Prevention Month

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month. It was originally established by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to focus attention on the always-present need to help animals in distress and rescue abandoned or abused animals. The ASPCA has been fighting animal cruelty for nearly 150 years and sponsors multiple ways individuals and organizations can support their efforts in April.

How You Can Prevent Cruelty to Animals

There are several ways individuals can contribute to the ASPCA’s efforts, including donating funds, participating in ASPCA sponsored events or simply adopting an animal who has been abused or neglected.

Here are some ways you can participate in Animal Cruelty Prevention Month:

1. Enter a 5K or marathon that supports an animal advocacy organization. During the month of April there will be many sponsored races or runs that will donate their proceeds to animal advocacy groups.
2. Increase dog fighting awareness. Although April 8^th is the official National Dog Fighting Awareness Day, the ASPCA will be focusing on eliminating dog fighting all month long. Actor Sir Patrick Stewart is the official voice of the organization’s Get Tough program. Sign the pledge here: Get Tough Pledge
3. Promote Animal Cruelty Prevention Month on your Facebook page and via Twitter. Spreading the word is the first step toward getting the support, volunteers and funding so desperately needed to prevent the future abuse of animals and stop today’s abuse.
4. Spend some time at your local shelter. Most animal shelters are woefully understaffed. Volunteer to be a dog-walker one day a week to give the animals at the shelter a break and help socialize them. It could be the difference between whether a dog is adopted or euthanized.
5. Foster shelter pets who are at-risk, sick or injured until permanent homes can be found. Living in a warm, safe home will help them heal faster and encourage to become more trusting of people.
6. 

   A Dog Wash is a great way to raise funds for Animal Cruelty Prevention Month

   Host a Fundraiser. Whether you donate the funds to the ASPCA, your local animal shelter or a pet rescue organization, your donation can have an impact on the lives of multiple animals. Not sure what kind of fundraiser to have? Anything goes, but something animal-centric will be popular with your family, friends and co-workers and ensure that everyone knows where the funds will be utilized. Consider making and selling homemade dog or cat treats, hosting a dog wash, or canvasing for donations at the local dog park.

7. Write or email your local legislators in support of stiffer penalties for animal cruelty.
8. Adopt a rescue pet. Whether you’d like to have a purebred Cocker Spaniel or a basic house cat, there are rescue organizations where you can find the perfect pet for your family.
9. Donate directly to the ASPCA or your local shelter. Every dollar donated to rescue organizations or shelters will help prevent animal cruelty.

Whatever way you choose to support Animal Cruelty Prevention Month, continue your efforts even after April is gone. The more people who are involved, the more animals there are who will benefit.