Going orange for animal rights

The ASPCA is promoting the idea of going orange in April to help further the protection of animals in their abuse prevention awareness movement. Every year thousands of animals are abused, and die from poor care. Raising your awareness and that of others around you can help animals everywhere have a better survival rate and live under better conditions.

Many of us have seen videos and news reports about puppy mills and circus elephants that are constantly being mistreated, caged, and starved every year. But it happens to all kinds of animals: lions, sea creatures at sea parks and carnivals, monkeys, horses, chickens – you name it…and unfortunately, possibly even in your own neighborhood!

It is up to humans that care about animals to report abuse when they see it or even just suspect it. Call your local animal control, shelter, or the Humane Society near you at the first sign of abuse or if you have a question about the conditions an animal is under. You could save a life. Notice how clean pet stores are, what conditions are the animals living in the cages, how does the staff treat them. Are there dogs running loose in your neighborhood? They could be hit by a car, terrorized by other or larger dogs, and of course, if they have not been vaccinated, are susceptible to all kinds of disease.

Not all pet owners are keeping pets because they love animals. The ASPCA wants to raise awareness and hopefully, keep it high in the minds of everyone around animals throughout the year. They have begun a “go orange for animals” campaign to help the effort. Read the suggestions below and see how you can help this important cause.

• Make a bumper sticker or window decal that promotes kindness to animals
• Put up orange mini lights around your front window or on your stairway banister outside and put a sign in the window stating that you are “going orange for the safety of animals”
• Use an orange reflective collar when you walk your dog and tell people you meet about the “go orange” movement
• Have a school or team bake sale for animal safety: Make orange cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and candies. Put up a sign that proceeds will go to the local animal shelter or Humane Society.

If everyone works in the same direction, perhaps we can help ease the suffering of millions of animals nationwide. The ASPCA hopes this trend will continue throughout the year, not just in April. Visit their link for more information on how you can help.

Ways to go orange