American Humane Association celebrates Be Kind to Animals Week, May 5-11

Via PR Newswire - Be Kind to Animals Week is May 5-11. To celebrate this annual tradition and encourage compassion for animals, American Humane Association and animal lovers across the country honor the timeless human-animal bond and pay tribute to the vital role animals play in our lives each and every day.

While much progress has been made since the program was launched almost a century ago, the fact remains that 7-8 million animals still end up in shelters every year.

"One of the most important ways to 'be kind' to animals is to adopt a shelter pet and give them the forever home they so desperately need," says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. "If adopting is not possible, consider fostering a pet or volunteering with a local shelter or rescue group. Our pets are devoted to us and for them every day is 'Be Kind to People Day.' The very least we can do is show them our love and compassion. There are so many ways for all of us to lend kindness to a voiceless, helpless animal."

During Be Kind to Animals Week and every day of the year, American Humane Association offers a few ways you can celebrate the importance of our beloved animals at home and in the wild:

Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue. Every year an estimated 3.7 million animals are euthanized because they could not be adopted into loving homes.

Always treat your pets with love and affection, make sure they are in safe environments at all times and have plenty of fresh water and exercise daily.

Spay or neuter your pets and encourage friends and family to do the same. Many local shelters offer assistance for low income families.

Keep your pets current on vaccinations and make sure they are wearing up-to-date identification tags and are microchipped. Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly and know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.

Report any suspected animal abuse or neglect to local authorities. Animal cruelty is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator of other forms of abuse such as domestic violence.

Teach your children that all animals are important and show them how to be kind and respectful to animals both in the home and to those they encounter in parks, zoos or in their neighborhood.

Appreciate wildlife. Plant flowers in your yard that will attract butterflies or hummingbirds. Drive cautiously through areas populated by wild animals such as deer.

If your family chooses to eat animal protein, look for products that have been humanely raised and certified by independent, third-party programs such as the American Humane Certified program.

Promote ways to treat animals humanely in your community by speaking out about the importance of respecting animals.