Teach Kids to Be Kind to All Living Creatures by Example and With Free Lessons During American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week® (May 1-7)
Campaign offers free educational activities for children and simple lifestyle changes to build a more humane world for animals
Boca Raton, FL — Building a better world for both people and animals begins with teaching our children the meaning of kindness. And what better time to start than during American Humane’s 107th Annual Be Kind to Animals Week®, on May 1-7, which is the oldest commemorative week in U.S. history.
To kick off the humane initiative, the Palm Beach-based nonprofit will provide complimentary education materials for parents, teachers, and children in both English and Spanish. The free online library features downloadable materials, which include lessons and teaching sheets for pre-K to Grade 5 students, “Be Kind to Animals” posters, and a plethora of ideas to celebrate and protect Earth’s creatures. For more information, visit americanhumane.org/BeKind.
To lead by example and make a difference in the lives of millions of animals, American Humane is asking animal lovers of all ages to pledge to make kindness a year-round lifestyle choice by doing four simple things:
- Buying humanely raised foods with the American Humane Certified™ seal to support the good treatment of farm animals
- Adopting from a shelter/rescue, and when choosing small, “nontraditional” animal companions (such as reptiles, small mammals, fish, and amphibians), finding them at American Humane Certified™ pet providers
- Watching movies and television shows that have earned the “No Animals Were Harmed®” end credit verifying the protection of animal actors
- Visiting American Humane Certified™ zoos, aquariums and conservation centers caring for the many endangered and disappearing species of the world
American Humane will also share humane messages throughout the week and encourage people to commit to kindness by sharing Be Kind to Animals Week® content using the hashtag #BeKindToAnimalsWeek. For a wealth of ideas, and to show us how you are being kind to animals, follow American Humane on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Additionally, teachers and children can find a historical retrospective featuring history, highlights and unusual facts from 107 years of “Be Kind to Animals Week,” as well as a sampling of famous supporters, from U.S. Presidents to Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, Betty White, Doris Day, and even Porky Pig.
“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,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “By teaching our children the value of our animal friends and adopting a humane lifestyle, we can build a better world – not just during these few days, but all year round.”
For more information on American Humane, visit americanhumane.org.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. Today, the four-star nonprofit saves, shelters, feeds and protects nearly one billion animals worldwide each year. For more information, please visit americanhumane.org.
The week of May 3–9, 2015, is the centenary of a special week designated nationally in the United States as Be Kind to Animals Week. The annual commemoration was begun in 1915 by the American Humane Association, from whom the following information comes.
In 1915, American Humane Association established the first week in May as Be Kind to Animals Week, a special time to celebrate the bond people have with animals. Nowadays, the week is highlighted by the Be Kind to Animals Kid Contest, which recognizes children who go out of their way to promote the humane treatment of animals. Spread the word about being kind to animals.
How can you mark this special time? Here are the AHA’s suggestions:
Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue
Every year, an estimated 3.7 million animals must be euthanized at our nation’s shelters because they could not be adopted into loving homes. Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group. American Humane Association has tips to find the animal companion that’s right for you and develop a bond that will last a lifetime.
Take care of your pet
Pets are like children who never grow up. They need you to help keep them healthy and safe throughout their lives. Keep your animal’s vaccinations up-to-date. Make sure he’s wearing proper identification. Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.
Appreciate wildlife
All animals deserve to be treated humanely—family pets and animals in the wild. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals or to protect your property humanely.
Report animal abuse
Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. If you see something that looks suspicious—a dog chained in your neighbor’s yard that looks underfed, a child putting a cat in a box and kicking it around the yard—don’t hesitate. Let someone know.
Become a Humane Hero and help AHA protect the nation’s animals!
Between 3 and 4 million animals are euthanized each year, hundreds of thousands find themselves victims of disasters and far too many are victims of abuse, neglect and cruelty. American Humane Association teams work year-round to make a better world for animals, but only with your support! During the 100th anniversary of Be Kind to Animals Week, help us continue our important mission by making a generous one-time donation.