Hey you, yes, you! Do you know the signs to look for when it comes to animal abuse?! Do you do your part when it comes to protecting our furry four-legged friends? Unfortunately, animal abuse still exists in our world today but with education and team work, maybe, just maybe, we can make it a thing of the past.

There are many humane education programs available that teach people the importance of recognizing animal abuse and how to stop it. In 2008, the ASPCA partnered with a program called Do Something! Do Something is an on-line community aimed at teenagers. It is a place for teens to gather (via the internet) so that they may discuss ways to make the world a better place. Animal welfare is one of the “hot topics” that is discussed on a daily basis. It is one of the top concerns of teens today (thank goodness!).

Do Something’s teen-friendly web content covering animal welfare is quite popular and a tremendous success at offering “humane education.” Since inception, ten $500 grants have been awarded by the ASPCA to teens who have stepped up and implemented their own animal welfare projects. It’s tremendously encouraging to me to see our children taking such an active role in important issues today.

So, at this point, you may be asking, “What exactly is HUMANE EDUCATION?” Well, according the ASPCA, humane education teaches us how to care for the animals in our home and communities. It fosters kindness, respect and empathy for all beings, and it teaches responsible stewardship of the environment and its diverse inhabitants. Humane education has one simple goal: to make the world a more humane and kind place!

Changing the world requires help and contribution from people just like you. If making a difference and improving the world we’ll hand down to our children appeals to you, you may be wondering how you can get started. It starts with little things that can ultimately make you a contributing member of the community looking out for animal welfare.

Knowing who to call if you witness or suspect animal abuse is perhaps the most fundamental step in making a difference. Take the time to find your local Humane Society number and keep it handy. More useful in a general sense is your local police non-emergency number.

Once you know who to call, know what circumstances warrant calling. Obviously, witnessing a dog being beaten represents a justifiable situation for calling, but dogs left chained outside without adequate food or water, for excessive durations or for hours during cold winter months also warrant a call for help. All you need do is youre your eyes open for issues of clear neglect or abuse.

Take the time to educate your children. Do your part to instill compassion and respect for animals and set a good example.3 Ensure that your children know that animals suffer much like humans, experiencing pain, sadness. Perhaps more than any other action you can take, teaching your children to respect and care for animals paves the road for a better future.

Get involved but don’t get involved. That one requires a little explaining. What I mean is that you should leave action to the professionals and those with the authority to act. Do not intervene directly by confronting an abuser yourself. Doing so exposes you and your family to the risk of retaliation. Call your police non-emergency number or your local humane society. They are best equipped to get the job done and will almost always accept anonymous reports.

Help define new and stronger laws by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade. Catching bad guys in the act only does so much. The penalties for their crimes are where the real changes need to happen. By contributing to anti-cruelty petitions and writing to your local legislators demanding tougher laws, you can help make a real difference in deterring people from engaging in animal cruelty.

Making a real difference costs you nothing but a little bit of your time and there’s much you can do. It starts with awareness and education. Join together and make a difference in the lives of the animals who ask so little of us but give back so much in terms of love, loyalty and friendship. You CAN make a difference.