EDUCATION IS KEY TO HELPING ANIMALS AND THEIR OWNERS AND FOR CHANGING ANIMAL WELFARE IN THE WORLD!
Sadly, most people don’t spend nearly enough time educating themselves on how to improve their pets’ lives or how to help other animals or animal welfare organizations. Below you can find a summary of many of the animal topics in this ANIMALS 101 series from almost 24 months. This article is part five of the summary series and focuses on how you can help make a difference. Here is part one, part two, part three and part four.
Let’s touch on a few of them!
WILD ANIMALS BELONG IN THE WILD AND NOT IN YOUR HOME AS PETS
SHEBA (tiger), like many other animals, paid the price with her life as well as those she killed because humans demand to keep exotic and wild animals in captivity or as pets, whether to exploit them for money or boost their egos, because they are ignorant, selfish, or stupid. Read part one & part two on the keeping of wild/exotic pets and why we don’t support it nor should you!
ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
Animal welfare is like the Mafia, if you are in, you never get out! If you can’t get into the trenches (hats off to them), many people donate money to the cause or help in other ways, which is necessary too. Remember, it can look great on social media, but what questions should you be asking as a supporter? What goes on behind the scenes? Just because the organization is registered does not mean their intentions are pure. Due to mismanagement, negligence and fraud by some organizations, the rest have to work extra hard to prove they can be trusted.
It is important to choose to support reputable organizations and help hold them accountable. The Paw Company is a registered NPC and part of what we do is to train animal welfare organizations (free) on the business side of things and to hold those who work with animals accountable including veterinarians and other businesses that work with animals. Sadly, most of the public does not even know or understand half of what is going on in animal welfare and this article serves to help you make more informed decisions and for organizations to re-evaluate their effectiveness. Read more on how to keep veterinarians accoutable too.
PITBULLS – THE BAN THE BREED & THE BEHAVIOUR
After reports of a Pitbull attack killing a child of the owner and another killed by the neighbour’s dog, a massive uproar began and the call for a Pitbull ban went viral. Chaos is unfolding around us while many people are still unaware of the massive crisis surrounding these Pitbull breeds (and others) and sadly thousands of innocent animals, have and continue to pay with their lives.
The fact is that any breed can be taught to be aggressive and any dog can bite, but the difference is that a Pitbull can do more damage than a Chihuahua. Pitbulls sadly have gotten a bad reputation over the years. Pitbulls and other power breeds became “trendy” and gave owners a sort of “street credit”.
A ban on Pitbulls is not the solution but rather legislation and accountability for pet owners! Read more about the Pitbull crisis in SA.
THE MUZZLE STIGMA
Big dogs, small dogs, and all breeds and sizes may need muzzles sometimes. It is not only a breed-specific tool. Here are just a few of the many reasons all dogs should learn to be comfortable in a muzzle.
- Accidents happen
- Helps prevents blockages
- Vet care
- Grooming
- New dog introductions & interactions
- Evacuations
- Aggression or rough play
- Breed-specific legislation
- Injury recovery
- Training
Read more on muzzling.
PET LOSS & THE GRIEF THAT ACCOMPANIES IT
With their shorter lifespans, pet loss is inevitable and saying goodbye is something every pet lover faces eventually. Saying goodbye is the hardest part of our relationships with our pets. Regardless of the type of pet, furry, finned, or scaled, no matter the species, we love them with all of our hearts and feel their loss as strongly as we’d feel the loss of a human family member or friend.
It doesn’t matter whether your pet died because of age, injury, or illness, the death of a beloved pet is excruciating and grief is the response to that loss. It is a strong and sometimes overwhelming emotion. Grief is the price we pay for love. They go together……that is the pact.
Read more about pet loss and the grief that accompanies it here or reach out to The Paw Company for more resources. We know this grief all too well! Remember that grief is personal and grief from the loss of a pet is as valid as losing a friend or family member.
DECEMBER HOLIDAYS ARE TOUGH FOR ANIMAL WELFARE
The December holiday is always a tough time for animal welfare organizations and their staff. There is always an extra influx of surrendered and lost animals, injured and scared ones after fireworks events, convenience euthanasia, extra expenses with fewer donations and then the additional problem of animals as gifts, etc. Animal welfare never gets a holiday as it is a 24/7 kind of job that is physically and emotionally exhausting. Read more on what we refer to as silly season here.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO HELP ANIMAL WELFARE WITHOUT HAVING TO DONATE.
Animal welfare always needs your help for those without a voice! Your help does not have to be financial. There are ways to prevent animal welfare organizations from being overwhelmed or to stop animal cruelty by not taking part in cruel practices (even unknowingly). Read more on how you can help.
YOUR CLOSET – HOW TO WEAR IT KIND
Animal cruelty comes in many forms and you might, unknowingly, be contributing to it by supporting certain practices, industries, and buying certain beauty products or certain clothing items. With so many animal-friendly options available, and more on the market every day, it’s never been easier to have a cruelty-free wardrobe. FOUR PAWS shares how you can show more compassion in fashion in 5 simple steps.
IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!
- Look for more sustainable plant-based fibres like organic or recycled cotton and hemp – these fabrics are gentle on the planet and can be found in so many fashion items.
- Go for products made from waste! Discarded fishing nets, plastic bottles, recycled polyester, and even used coffee grinds are being made into versatile, durable, and luxurious fabrics turning one of the world’s greatest problems – consumer waste – into one of its best solutions!
- Love pre-loved! Wearing it Kind doesn’t have to break the bank. Try the 80:20 rule – 80% pre-loved and 20% new and kind.
- Be a protector of oceans, rivers, and lakes every time you wash! Use a washing bag in your machine to capture nasty microfibres and put a stop to harmful microplastic pollution.
- Speak up! Already have a favourite brand you wish was doing more? Let them know! Your voice may be just the motivation they need to make their products better for animals, people, and the planet.
Your pets are your responsibility. If you can no longer care for them, please surrender them to the SPCA or a reputable animal welfare organization. If you can’t afford to properly care for them or have the time to meet their needs, then don’t get them. Make the time to learn more about your pets and their needs.
April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals awareness month, so next week we will look at how you can recognize and help prevent cruelty.
WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!
