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Originally Posted On: https://oneloveapparel.com/blogs/news/7-ways-to-help-stop-animal-cruelty

 

Up to 10 million animals in the United States die as a result of animal abuse alone. This doesn’t include animals who were abused for the fur industry, food, and other potential purposes.

If this upsets you, you may be thinking about being an advocate against animal cruelty. Animals are unable to speak for themselves, so you can speak for them.

But how can you get started? Let’s talk about it. Read on to learn how you can start helping animals today.

1. Switch to a Plant-Based Lifestyle

Not everyone is going to be on board with this suggestion, and that’s okay! It’s just a great option for people who have an interest in overall animal welfare.

Much of the animal abuse that happens actually happens to domesticated farm animals or “livestock.” The modern meat industry is inherently abusive, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Factory farming is the problem.

If you want to be an advocate for animals, a great way to do that is to switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Even cutting out meat or dairy several times per week will make an impact.

If you don’t want to change your diet, consider cutting out less necessary things, like cosmetics that are made with animal cruelty, or fur.

2. Donate to Relevant Charities and Causes

Donations can be quite helpful when it comes to a wide variety of causes, and animal abuse is no exception. Finding charities that help animals in ways that count is a great way to use your money for good.

There are many charities around the world that support animals. You can even find local charities that support animals in your own city or neighborhood if you want to really see where your money is going.

You don’t have to directly donate either. You can also choose to buy things from online marketplaces that donate a percentage of profits to charities. One Love Apparel donates to one of several rotating charities so you know that your comfy sweatshirt is actually making a difference.

3. Wear Your Opinions on Your Sleeve (Literally)

Speaking of clothing, you can wear your opinions (literally) on your sleeve if you want.

There are t-shirts, hoodies, and all other manners of clothing for almost any mainstream social cause (and some that aren’t so mainstream). This allows you to become a walking poster for whatever it is that you’re passionate about.

People may see your clothing and get curious about your cause. It’s like you’re a billboard for anti-animal cruelty sentiments.

4. Be a Vocal Advocate

Being an advocate can be difficult. Luckily, being against animal abuse isn’t something that’s easy to argue with. On some level, the vast majority of people oppose animal abuse, even if they eat meat and other animal products.

You can start sharing information. Let people who about the cause and why you care so much about it. Encourage other people to get involved as well.

It’s easier than ever to be an advocate, even if you don’t live somewhere with a strong advocate community. You can be an online activist. Some people call this time of activism lazy, but when most people in your circle are easily accessible online, this is actually a great way to get people involved and educate others.

You can follow animal activists online and share their content with your own circle. You’re not being annoying. You’re spreading useful information.

This also helps you get involved in a greater community of activists if you don’t have a large community nearby.

5. Get Involved in Your Local Community

Speaking of your community, if you can, get involved in your local community.

Animal abuse happens everywhere. It happens to pets, livestock, performance animals, and even wild animals. If there are animals near you, it’s likely that your area has issues with animal abuse.

Connect with other activists if possible. You can look on social media to see if there are any animal advocacy groups nearby.

You can also get involved with local charities that help animals, like the Humane Society and other similar projects. There may be an animal rescue group nearby.

Many of these groups need helpers and donations. If you don’t have money to donate, donate your time and energy so you can start helping animals for free.

6. See Something, Say Something

If you’re trying to stop or prevent animal cruelty, you need to take it upon yourself to call it out when you see it.

Make sure that you read the situation well before you contact authorities or harass someone. Sometimes things look like animal cruelty at first, but when you get more information, it turns out to be fine.

For example, some people get upset when they see huskies in yards during the winter because it’s cold. Huskies actually prefer to be outside in the cold and snow, so as long as the owner is providing them with everything they need, there is no abuse happening.

It’s often best to reach out to authorities instead of talking directly to someone if you suspect abuse. In most cases, the non-emergency line or animal control.

7. Educate Yourself

The most important thing you can do if you’re trying to advocate for any cause, animal cruelty included, is to make sure you’ve educated yourself as much as possible.

If you don’t keep yourself informed, how can you properly inform others? How will you encourage anyone to take you seriously?

Read as much as you can. Follow current causes on social media. Watch videos and pay attention to what’s going on in your area.

Are You Ready to Fight Animal Cruelty?

It’s great that you want to put a stop to animal cruelty! You’re one person, but you can make a big difference. Even if you only help one animal, that’s a huge deal.

At One Love Apparel, we make clothing for people who care. Each purchase will support a valuable cause. Check out our shop to start supporting your cause today.