In 2009, the Animal Legal Defense Fund declared the last week in February as National Justice for Animals Week in order to raise awareness for animal cruelty in all forms. The event has been held every year since then, with more than 250,000 supporters participating.
The annual event focuses on both action and awareness. ALDF encourages supporters to get involved with the legal side of animal abuse by supporting laws that prohibit various acts of cruelty and by learning how to properly report cases of abuse or neglect.
Sometimes people are hesitant to call authorities when they see an animal being treated poorly. They don’t want to cause trouble or make someone angry. However, animals who are suffering can’t speak for themselves, so it’s up to us to give them a voice.
One easy way to report crimes against animals is by using ALDF’s LiveSafe mobile app. The app is free and enables the user to connect with local agencies at the push of a button and attach photos and video as evidence.
Even if you never personally witness animal cruelty, the truth is that it exists in staggering numbers. ALDF suggests numerous ways that you can make a difference during National Justice for Animals Week and beyond:
– Encourage media coverage by writing a letter to the editor of our local newspaper.
– If you have a smartphone, download the LiveSafe app. You can also program the numbers of local shelters, our community’s animal control, and abuse hotlines into your phone as a second line of contact.
– Volunteer at or donate to rescue groups and other organizations that support animal rights.
– Show your support on social media by using the hashtag #NJAW.
– Sign the Animal Bill of Rights at www.ALDF.org.
Together, we can stop animal abuse and neglect and make the world a more caring place in the process.