We get emails all the time with the question; “What can I do to help animals?” The abuse of animals is so overwhelming it is hard to decide exactly where to start. There are so many animals suffering right this second. By the time this article is completed, tens of thousands of animals will have died.
You must determine which animals you want to help, as helping all of them is quite difficult although it can be done; with a lot of time. Do I help save the whales? Save the seals? Save the animals being slaughtered for food? Save shelter pets? Save animals being exploited for entertainment? Save animals being used in brutal un-needed animal test? Save animals being skinned alive for their fur? And those are just a few to think about. So to answer all of those wondering, this list has been compiled to give anyone a head start.
1) Once you have found your niche, gather as much data about the issue as possible. The facts are what matters, opinions are fine, but some are not helpful. Unless they come from someone with great experience in the matter. Think Paul Watson, from Sea Shepherd when asking about whales, seals or other sea animals.
2) Get involved with others who feel your passion. Search for groups on social networking sites and the internet in general. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself as a newbie. You will find that just about anyone will stop anything they are doing to help you understand the current issues. In fact, I personally have never had anyone turn down information or not return an email message; including celebrities.
3) Find online flyers or pamphlets created specifically for your cause. Print them out and make many copies. Pass them out to everyone you see. Be careful about putting them on cars as this is illegal in some areas. Make sure you ask the appropriate authorities. Some organizations such as PETA will happily mail you canvassing materials all you have to do is ask. Or as a final resort you could make your own.
4) If you have your own website, some animal welfare/rights sites offer banners for webmasters to use. The more people see the better chance the animals will have.
5) It is shocking to find that some people do not know where fur coats come from or how food animals are treated in general. Awareness is the best way to help animals. Simply educating people has increased the world’s compassion for animals. Welcome questions that people may ask, even if they seem a bit odd. Answer as best as you can and if you don’t know the answer find out.
6) Become a vegan! Did you know that by not eating animal products you personally save over 110 animals a year? It is a fact. You may think that how is my one hamburger going to help animals. Well every time someone purchases an animal product (meat, eggs, cheese etc) it must be replaced. The more that is eaten the more the item is replaced. Thus the deaths of at least 110 animals are your responsibility. True animal lovers would never kill an animal simply for their appetites. Yes, it sounds a bit harsh however I am not here to sugar coat anything. (I will be posting information about your transition into veganism soon, so stay tuned) *A vegan does not eat anything that is derived from an animal or contains any animal products.*
7) Another great way to help animals is by not purchasing products that are tested on animals. Proctor & Gamble is one of the largest companies in the world and they kill thousands of animals every year performing un-needed, brutal test. Did you know that over 13,000 animals were killed testing Splenda? Crazy? YES! Now, this doesn’t mean you have to buy expensive shampoos, soaps or cleaning supplies. In fact it is just the opposite. Did you know that Alberto Culver doesn’t test their hair products on animals? It’s true and the last time I looked their shampoo and conditioners were around $1 each! And the products are as good as the high dollar stuff. Check out these links for current companies that do and don’t test on animals, and don’t forget to order your free pocket guide to carry with you wherever you go. http://www.caringconsumer.com and http://www.leapingbunny.org
8) In most cities animal welfare or animal rights groups hold protests to spread the word of animal abuse. These protests are typically quiet and well organized. If you find one you’re interested in attending contact the manager of the event to find out what to expect. It is a good thing to create your own signs or banners, if you are able to. Express your voice in your own way. This includes your clothing as well. If you wear anything made from an animal you are setting yourself up to fail; on lookers will notice. Go cruelty free.
9) Report any and all animal abuse that you witness. Do not be afraid. You do NOT have to provide your name if you chose not to. Even if it is a neighbor you will be protected. Just like the America’s Most Wanted hot-line, you are anonymous. It is imperative to keep an eye on the abuse you may have witnessed. If you are able please take photos or video of the abuse and provide it to the police. Do not cross property lines at anytime, this is considered trespassing and you can be charged. Make sure the authorities are doing their jobs to protect the animals. If they are not, please let your issue known to animal welfare groups online. There is magic in numbers, it works. You will be amazed at how many people around the globe are willing to help.
10) Stand your ground. Never let anyone stop you from helping the voiceless. You will come in contact with those who do not consider animals worthy of respect. They feel animals are here for a reason and nothing more. Do not let that get you down. Explain your position and if they don’t like it, then that is their right. At least you tried and if you only change one persons mind, then it was all worth it.
One thing to remember is even if you think that your one action can’t do anything, it can. One person can begin a snowball effect on the net, spreading the word to others. One message posted on a large Facebook group automatically gets sent to everyone on the group, and then they share with others. It is possible for one message to reach millions in a matter of minutes. We are now able to get into people’s homes, via the web and show them the truth and it has been a major breakthrough, for changing thought process of humans. With hard work, long hours, no pay, and dedication of people like you, one day the animals will finally be safe.
Good luck and thank you for your support.
You must determine which animals you want to help, as helping all of them is quite difficult although it can be done; with a lot of time. Do I help save the whales? Save the seals? Save the animals being slaughtered for food? Save shelter pets? Save animals being exploited for entertainment? Save animals being used in brutal un-needed animal test? Save animals being skinned alive for their fur? And those are just a few to think about. So to answer all of those wondering, this list has been compiled to give anyone a head start.
1) Once you have found your niche, gather as much data about the issue as possible. The facts are what matters, opinions are fine, but some are not helpful. Unless they come from someone with great experience in the matter. Think Paul Watson, from Sea Shepherd when asking about whales, seals or other sea animals.
2) Get involved with others who feel your passion. Search for groups on social networking sites and the internet in general. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself as a newbie. You will find that just about anyone will stop anything they are doing to help you understand the current issues. In fact, I personally have never had anyone turn down information or not return an email message; including celebrities.
3) Find online flyers or pamphlets created specifically for your cause. Print them out and make many copies. Pass them out to everyone you see. Be careful about putting them on cars as this is illegal in some areas. Make sure you ask the appropriate authorities. Some organizations such as PETA will happily mail you canvassing materials all you have to do is ask. Or as a final resort you could make your own.
4) If you have your own website, some animal welfare/rights sites offer banners for webmasters to use. The more people see the better chance the animals will have.
5) It is shocking to find that some people do not know where fur coats come from or how food animals are treated in general. Awareness is the best way to help animals. Simply educating people has increased the world’s compassion for animals. Welcome questions that people may ask, even if they seem a bit odd. Answer as best as you can and if you don’t know the answer find out.
6) Become a vegan! Did you know that by not eating animal products you personally save over 110 animals a year? It is a fact. You may think that how is my one hamburger going to help animals. Well every time someone purchases an animal product (meat, eggs, cheese etc) it must be replaced. The more that is eaten the more the item is replaced. Thus the deaths of at least 110 animals are your responsibility. True animal lovers would never kill an animal simply for their appetites. Yes, it sounds a bit harsh however I am not here to sugar coat anything. (I will be posting information about your transition into veganism soon, so stay tuned) *A vegan does not eat anything that is derived from an animal or contains any animal products.*
7) Another great way to help animals is by not purchasing products that are tested on animals. Proctor & Gamble is one of the largest companies in the world and they kill thousands of animals every year performing un-needed, brutal test. Did you know that over 13,000 animals were killed testing Splenda? Crazy? YES! Now, this doesn’t mean you have to buy expensive shampoos, soaps or cleaning supplies. In fact it is just the opposite. Did you know that Alberto Culver doesn’t test their hair products on animals? It’s true and the last time I looked their shampoo and conditioners were around $1 each! And the products are as good as the high dollar stuff. Check out these links for current companies that do and don’t test on animals, and don’t forget to order your free pocket guide to carry with you wherever you go. http://www.caringconsumer.com and http://www.leapingbunny.org
8) In most cities animal welfare or animal rights groups hold protests to spread the word of animal abuse. These protests are typically quiet and well organized. If you find one you’re interested in attending contact the manager of the event to find out what to expect. It is a good thing to create your own signs or banners, if you are able to. Express your voice in your own way. This includes your clothing as well. If you wear anything made from an animal you are setting yourself up to fail; on lookers will notice. Go cruelty free.
9) Report any and all animal abuse that you witness. Do not be afraid. You do NOT have to provide your name if you chose not to. Even if it is a neighbor you will be protected. Just like the America’s Most Wanted hot-line, you are anonymous. It is imperative to keep an eye on the abuse you may have witnessed. If you are able please take photos or video of the abuse and provide it to the police. Do not cross property lines at anytime, this is considered trespassing and you can be charged. Make sure the authorities are doing their jobs to protect the animals. If they are not, please let your issue known to animal welfare groups online. There is magic in numbers, it works. You will be amazed at how many people around the globe are willing to help.
10) Stand your ground. Never let anyone stop you from helping the voiceless. You will come in contact with those who do not consider animals worthy of respect. They feel animals are here for a reason and nothing more. Do not let that get you down. Explain your position and if they don’t like it, then that is their right. At least you tried and if you only change one persons mind, then it was all worth it.
One thing to remember is even if you think that your one action can’t do anything, it can. One person can begin a snowball effect on the net, spreading the word to others. One message posted on a large Facebook group automatically gets sent to everyone on the group, and then they share with others. It is possible for one message to reach millions in a matter of minutes. We are now able to get into people’s homes, via the web and show them the truth and it has been a major breakthrough, for changing thought process of humans. With hard work, long hours, no pay, and dedication of people like you, one day the animals will finally be safe.
Good luck and thank you for your support.
