How to Support Animal Advocacy

Animal advocacy, activism on the behalf of animals, is growing in popularity and with recent celebrity cases such as Michael Vick’s dog fighting charges, more and more individuals are getting involved. If you want to support animal advocacy, there are many avenues to choose from—the only limit is your passion.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Contact your local shelter. Most cities have at least one large animal shelter. Serving as regional humane societies, shelters will often have advocacy departments. If you want to get involved, this is one of the easiest places to start—-current advocacy volunteers will be happy to set you up with everything you need.

2. Contact a national organizations. If you don’t live near a shelter or if you want to get involved with animal advocacy on a larger scale, there are numerous national and international organizations focused on preserving animal rights. From PETA to the Humane Society of the United States, there is bound to be some action in your area concerning an issue close to your heart.

3. Join a mailing list. Once you’re involved, you need to stay involved and mailing lists are some of the quickest ways to keep abreast of any animal advocacy developments. Both local and national associations will send newsletters directly to your inbox, outlining everything from campaigns and petitions to marches and fundraising. Whether you choose to help with one event or every event, your help will always be appreciated.

4. Attend legislative hearings. Every year, numerous bills go before state Congresses and even the United States Congress concerning animal rights, from dog fighting to greyhound racing to the inhumane slaughter of livestock. While generating enough interest to warrant a legislative hearing is a big victory, getting that bill signed into law is much more important. Signatures only go so far-—physical support in the form of a packed house is key.

5. Donate. While volunteering is crucial to the continued success of animal advocacy programs, money is often equally important. If you don’t have the time to volunteer or if you want to take on even more responsibility, monetary donations might be the perfect way to say that you care.

6. Major in animal advocacy. Many colleges are beginning to offer advanced degrees center on the humane treatment of animals. They understand that veterinarian medicine can only go so far; in order to improve animal welfare, you have to first improve animal rights. This combination of science and law is the perfect graduate study for any aspiring animal activist, so get a degree in what you love.

Resources

• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
• Humane Society of the United States
• Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

[GlindaLupo]

on 2/19/2008 KUDOS! Thanks for caring about our sweet, fuzzy little friends! Where do I find out about the local legislative hearings? I'll attend every one of them.
-Glinda :D