Ten ways you can help animals

1. Help reduce animal overpopulation

The Problem:

Every year, between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters in the U.S. Sadly, about half of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. This problem is made worse by “factory-style” dog-breeding facilities known as puppy mills, which put profit above the welfare of animals. Most dogs raised in puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions and receive little, if any, medical care. Animal over-population often leads to hungry, aggressive, and unhealthy strays that can compromise their welfare and threaten public health.

The Solution:

Adopt your next new friend from an animal shelter or rescue group instead of buying from a breeder or pet store.
Make sure your new friend is spayed or neutered.
Research different breeds to ensure you find one that's right for you and your family.
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2. Report animal cruelty

The Problem:

Despite the fact that animal cruelty is illegal in all 50 states, it remains shockingly prevalent in our society and often goes unreported. Cruelty to animals can take many forms, including direct acts of violence (e.g. beating or mutilating) or negligence (e.g. denying adequate food, water, or shelter). Not only do these acts cause severe animal suffering, they are often linked to a pattern of other violent acts within families and society.

The Solution:

Learn how to recognize signs of abuse or neglect, such as extremely thin animals, wounds on the body, and animals who cower in fear when approached by their owners.
Report abuse immediately to your local humane society, animal control or law enforcement agency.
Educate yourself and others about how to properly train and care for companion animals.
Never participate in animal fighting, including dogfighting, cockfighting, or hog-dog fighting. This is a particularly insidious form of animal cruelty that should be reported to authorities immediately.
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3. Live in harmony with your wild neighbors

The Problem:

As urban development continues to destroy wild habitat, animals are forced to live in closer proximity to humans. People frequently encounter a variety of wildlife species, including deer, bats, squirrels, raccoons, and mice in their everyday lives. Conflicts can arise when these animals enter our homes or backyards looking for food and shelter. Unfortunately, many people use cruel and environmentally irresponsible methods to deal with human-wildlife conflicts.

The Solution:

Prevent conflicts with wildlife before they occur by doing such things as securing garbage cans, feeding companion animals indoors, blocking holes and filling cracks in your home.
Control nuisance animals humanely with motion activated sprinklers, acoustical alarms, or visual deterrents (e.g. scarecrows, reflectors).
If you require outside assistance, make sure your ‘Animal Problem Control Officer' does not use inhumane methods like poisoning, drowning, or shooting.
Keep your cat inside. They are predatory by nature and are capable of killing numerous wild species.
If you find an orphaned or injured animal, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator, police department, or animal control officer. Never approach or try to handle a wild animal.
Create a haven for wildlife in your backyard by planting trees or shrubs, providing a water source and limiting your use of toxic pesticides.
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