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Be Kind to Animals Month – May 2025

Be Kind to Animals Month takes place in May. Animal cruelty comes in many forms and disguises. Some examples include factory farming and lab testing, as well as a pet owner’s utter disregard for his or her animal companion. What Be Kind to Animals Month is all about is recognizing the need of treating all animals with respect, regardless of their appearance. Its goal is to raise public awareness about the importance of treating animals with respect and safeguarding their natural habitats and environments. This month and always, let’s show compassion to all creatures great and little.

History of Be Kind to Animals Month

Throughout history, human beings have coexisted with a variety of animals, regardless of where they lived on the planet. It is fair to state that any narrative of the history of human civilization would be inadequate if it did not include information on the involvement of animals. All animals, from domestic animals who provide us with companionship to animals in the wild that we have the opportunity to witness in their natural settings, deserve our care and respect.

Because of our failure to equitably share our world and our resources with them, many species of animals have unfortunately become extinct as a result of our actions. Population growth has resulted in habitat degradation, and activities such as excessive hunting have had a devastating impact on the survival of many species.

Overall, while animals have played a beneficial part in the lives of humans, we have, in many cases, played a significant role in their extinction as well. As time has progressed, numerous organizations have been formed to protect the lives of domestic and wild animals. Attempts are being made on a local and worldwide level to promote a culture of compassion and respect for animals. Animals should be treated with respect. The month of April serves as a reminder to people to be friendly to animals wherever they are.

Be Kind to Animals Month timeline

Sixth century
The Biblical Instruction

According to the Third Commandment (Exodus 20), the Sabbath— day of rest — should not only be observed by humans, but also by their labor animals.

1809
The Bill to Protect Animals

A bill is proposed to protect horses and cattle from being intentionally injured, cruelly treated, or beaten.

1866
The Animal Protection Organization is Launched

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the first animal protection organization to be established in the U.S.

1999
The Animal Welfare Act

Experiments with "non-human hominids" are now illegal in New Zealand according to a revision to the Animal Welfare Act.

Be Kind to Animals Month FAQs

How do you demonstrate respect for animals?

Petting an animal should always be done gently and never from the rear. Never go near an animal that is eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy, or caring for its young — even if it is yours.

Should children be compassionate toward animals?

Learning compassion for animals from a young age can help children grow into more kind and compassionate people as they get older.

Is kindness remembered by animals?

Kindness is something that animals will never forget. People have described instances in which animals returned to their helpers to express their gratitude.

How to Observe Be Kind to Animals Month

  1. Buy from ethical sources

    Purchasing products that have been made using humane methods is a great way to celebrate the month. You can make this something to be done every day rather than doing it during a month.

  2. Donate to a worthy cause

    You can donate to charities that are championing the cause of animals. You can also donate your time as a volunteer by amplifying on social media or offline why people should be kind to animals.

  3. Adopt a pet

    You can adopt a pet but only if you are ready. You can decide to adopt from a local shelter rather than a breeder.

5 Facts About Animal Abuse

  1. Millions die in the U.S.

    Approximately 10 million animals are abused to death each year, including birds, fish, monkeys, and pigs, as well as thousands of mice in labs for research that firms do not reveal.

  2. Dog abuse is the most prevalent

    About 65% of all abused animals are dogs.

  3. The circus maltreats animals

    Circuses are notorious for their brutal treatment of animals as many big circuses that use animals as performers have been accused of mistreating them.

  4. The prevalence of abuse is very high

    Every minute an animal is abused, some die as a result of their maltreatment or neglect.

  5. Elephants are the most killed wildlife

    Demand for ivory drives 35,000 elephants to be killed yearly.

Why Be Kind to Animals Month is Important

  1. Encourages all people to be kind

    This day allows people to explain to others the value of treating all living things with reverence. This is important as it encourages people to become kind to all animals.

  2. Animals are kind

    Animals treat us kindly. Selfless and affectionate, they are a source of friendship and happiness in our life. We have a responsibility to treat them with the respect, care, and kindness they deserve.

  3. They are part of nature

    We owe it to animals, who are an essential part of our natural environment, to treat them with respect. Because animals cannot communicate verbally, we kill and interrupt their lives even though they have done nothing to deserve it.

Be Kind to Animals Month dates

Year Date Day
2025 May 1 Thursday
2026 May 1 Friday
2027 May 1 Saturday
2028 May 1 Monday
2029 May 1 Tuesday
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
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