Animal Cruelty Awareness Week

Are you a pet lover? Animal Cruelty Awareness Week on April 15-21 is the perfect time to reflect on how we can make the world a better place for our furry friends. Social media has been riddled with heartbreaking stories about animal cruelty, but we don’t have to feel helpless about them! There are numerous ways we can lend our support to animal welfare causes and make a meaningful impact. Let's dive into some paw-some ideas!

Simple Ways to Take Part in Animal Cruelty Awareness Week

1. Embrace Ethical Brands For Your Pets

Do a little digging before making a purchase for your pet. Choose brands that use sustainable practices and use ingredients that don’t harm the planet and our pets. By making mindful choices, you’re not just pampering your pet but paving the way for a healthier future for animals worldwide.

This is why Mo and Bear proudly carries brands like Happy Life. Committed to your pet’s well-being, Happy Life crafts eco-conscious products with ingredients that are kinder and safer than conventional alternatives. Happy Life Pet Home Cleanser and pet bath products don’t use harmful chemicals and are guaranteed pet-friendly!

2. Choose Compassionate Products For Yourself

When shopping for personal care and beauty products, why not opt for brands that are cruelty-free and eco-friendly? Seek out certifications like "Leaping Bunny" or "Certified Vegan" to ensure that no animals were harmed in the making of the products. 

Fortunately, we now have a few options available in the Philippines that are both kind to animals and the planet. For a list of cruelty-free choices, visit People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)’s Cruelty-Free Product Availability by Country/Region, Philippines. The web page shows which products are vegan and/or features the PETA logo.

3. Raise Your Voice For Animal Rights

Become a champion for animal rights by using your voice to raise awareness and spark conversations about issues impacting our furry companions. Share informative articles on social media, participate in online discussions, or volunteer your time and resources to animal shelters. Every conversation and action, no matter how small, contributes to the fight against animal cruelty.

Another impactful way to make a difference is by reporting instances of animal cruelty and neglect. The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) offers a useful guide for reporting such incidents, and they even provide free legal assistance if you witness a pet affected by these criminal offenses.

4. Foster Or Adopt A Fur-Ever Friend

Consider opening your heart and home to a pet in need by fostering or adopting from a shelter. Many animals are eagerly awaiting their forever homes, and by providing them love and care, you can profoundly transform their lives. Plus, adopting a pet is a powerful way to break the cycle of cruelty and provide an animal with a second chance at happiness.

However, remember that adopting or fostering a pet is a significant commitment that requires time, finances, and plenty of love. Even if your pets grow old, they’re always going to be like babies that need attention. While the journey may have its challenges, the rewards of nurturing a furry companion are immeasurable. If you’re ready to embark on this adventure, these nonprofit organizations are here to guide you every step of the way:

• Animal Kingdom Foundation - adopt a dog
• PAWS - foster or adopt a shelter dog or cat
• CARA Welfare Philippines - foster or adopt a dog or cat

5. Practice Responsible Pet Ownership

While owning a pet brings immense joy, it also entails a great deal of responsibility. Pets are not accessories or commodities for your pleasure or profit. They’re sentient beings deserving of love, care, and respect. As a pet owner, it’s important to prioritize your pet’s well-being by providing them with a nurturing environment, regular veterinary care, and plenty of love and attention.

Unfortunately, some pet owners suddenly realize they’re not ready for the commitment, which is why lots of pets end up neglected or on the streets! Being a responsible pet owner goes beyond providing quality food and a comfortable home. It involves spaying or neutering your pet to reduce pet overpopulation and prevent unwanted litters. By being a responsible pet owner, you’re setting a positive example for others in your community.

6. Educate Yourself On Animal Welfare

Empower yourself with knowledge about animal welfare issues, and equip yourself to be a compassionate advocate for change. Familiarize yourself with local animal welfare laws, such as the Philippine Animal Welfare Act of 2013 and Republic Act 9482, which promote responsible pet ownership and hold offenders accountable for acts of animal cruelty and neglect.

Knowledge is a potent tool in the fight against cruelty. Attend workshops, delve into informative books or documentaries, and engage in discussions that promote empathy and understanding for animals. By staying informed, you can inspire meaningful change within your community, one conversation at a time.

7. Support Legislation For Animal Welfare

It was truly heartwarming to witness dogs, make their debut appearance at a senate session, especially amidst the push for stricter animal welfare laws, as highlighted in this ABS-CBN report. As citizens, we can show our support for the implementation and enforcement of stronger laws and regulations that protect the rights and well-being of animals.

You can get involved by signing petitions, writing letters to lawmakers, and participating in peaceful campaigns and other events organized by animal welfare organizations. Additionally, support political candidates who prioritize animal welfare in their platforms. By influencing legislative change, we can create a legal framework that reflects our society’s values of respect for all living beings.

Make A Difference for Animals Every Day

As we take part in Animal Cruelty Awareness Week in April, let's help create a world where compassion triumphs over cruelty. Each small act of kindness, every advocacy effort, and every responsible choice we make has the power to transform the lives of the animals around us. The good news is, we can make a difference for animals not only on this special week but every day. Start by sharing this article with your network and following pet-loving brands on Mo and Bear!