Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

As cat lovers, the news of animal cruelty can make us feel blue or see red, but every year people with a passion for compassion can color the world of our furry, finned and fine-feathered friends with hope for a better tomorrow. The effort of “going orange for animals” in a show of support for the ASPCA during Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month helps shine the spotlight on the need to end animal cruelty.

When is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month?

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is observed every year during the month of April. The pet holiday was established by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The month was selected because ASPCA was founded in 1866 in the month of April. Each year, the organization uses the 30 days dedicated to shining a spotlight on both the milestones achieved by animal lovers and the work that still lies ahead.

Ways to observe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

To observe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, the ASPCA suggests:

Lending a helping hand to homeless animals in your home town by volunteering at a local animal shelter.
Raising awareness as you raise funds for the sake of our pals with paws by hosting or taking part in a special event.
Spreading the word about the pet holiday with a purpose via social media by using the hashtag #fightcruelty, and by following the ASPCA on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
Wearing your heart on your sleeve by displaying your dedication to the paws cause in orange attire (the color which has become synonymous with the ASPCA).
Joining the organization’s mission of mercy by signing up for the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, which will keep you informed by email of animal welfare legislation and how you can make your voice heard.

Other ideas for commemorating Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month include:

Be a conscientious consumer. Before purchasing a product, find out if it’s cruelty-free.
Remembering to choose the option of adoption if you are pondering the possibility of becoming a pet parent. Approximately 3.4 million cats and kittens find themselves in the shelter system each year, where 1.4 million face their fate. The sad statistics also state that 3.9 million dogs enter U.S. shelters annually, with 1.2 million losing their lives.