Be Kind To Animals Week is an annual week-long celebration held in the first full week of May and takes place from May 4 to 10 this year. The week is designed to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts made to ensure animal safety in the U.S. and around the world. Since the week’s inception in 1915, the American Humane Association has hosted this week all over the U.S. and has encouraged other organizations and individuals to join them. It aims to spread awareness about the need to be kind to animals and to protect them and their habitats. So let’s be kind to every animal we come across — both this week and always.
History of Be Kind To Animals Week
Be Kind to Animals Week was first celebrated in 1915 by the American Humane Association. Throughout our history, men and women have coexisted with various animals, no matter where in the world they lived. It would be fair to say that any account of the history of mankind would be incomplete without discussing the participation of animals. From domestic animals that keep us company and make our homes whole to wild animals that we get to observe in their natural environments, all animals deserve our kindness and respect.
Sadly, many species of animals have gone extinct due to our failure to fairly share our world and our resources with them. Population expansion has led to habitat loss, and activities like excessive hunting have taken a huge toll on various species. All in all, while animals have played a positive role in human’s lives, we have, in many cases, played a major role in their decline.
Over the years, many organizations have come into existence with the aim of safeguarding the lives of domestic and wild animals. Local and international efforts are being made to foster a culture of caring and respecting animals. The World Wildlife Fund (W.W.F.) has been at the forefront of efforts to protect wildlife, and the American Humane Association has been leading the way in showing kindness to animals in general. They have offices in most cities around the States.
Throughout the more than 100 years of commemorating Be Kind to Animals Week, the vision and mission of this event have been the same: to show kindness to animals, anywhere, anytime.
Be Kind To Animals Week timeline
The American Humane Association is established to protect animals.
The world witnesses the killing of millions of horses, donkeys, and mules in various battles across Europe.
The first-ever Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated by the American Humane Association.
The event celebrates its 100th anniversary by going international.
Be Kind To Animals Week FAQs
What does it mean to be kind to animals?
There are many ways to be kind to your pets. For starters, give them regular exercise and make sure they always have enough food and water. Additionally, it’s important to get your pet spayed or neutered.
Why should people be kind to animals?
Since animals can’t speak up and defend themselves, we need to defend them. Animals, like people, deserve to live safe, comfortable lives.
Do animals respond to kindness?
You can be sure that animals will always remember kindness. There have been moments when people have reported animals returning to their helpers often to give their gratitude.
How to Observe Be Kind To Animals Week
Adopt a pet and care for it
Bring a pet home and give it the kindness and care it deserves. Encourage others to do the same.
Talk about animal kindness
Give a lecture or share a story on social media to raise awareness about the need to show kindness to animals
Donate to a cause
Many organizations in the U.S. have dedicated themselves to caring for the animals and they may need your donations. You can volunteer your time or make a charitable donation.
5 Heartbreaking Facts About Cruelty To Animals
90% of broiler chickens can’t walk
Due to genetic manipulation, 90% of broiler chickens can’t walk properly.
Cruelty is rife in circuses
Many major circuses that use animals as performers have been reported for mistreating their animals.
Dogfighting is prevalent across the U.S.
Since the Civil War, dogfighting has been prevalent in every urban, suburban, and rural settlement of every state in the U.S.
It’s an evergreen cause
Unlike other events that are more than 100 years old and have slowly lost attention, Be Kind to Animals Week has been growing ever since its inception.
Laboratory testing
At least 115 million animals are subjected to experiments every year so that large pharmaceutical companies and other corporations can be sure that their products are safe for human use and consumption.
Why Be Kind To Animals Week is Important
Animals are sentient beings
Animals, like humans, feel emotions such as pain, sadness, and grief. We feel our sadness and pain, but we ignore the pain that animals feel. We need to respect animals and treat them with kindness and compassion.
We need to spread awareness
Around the world, many people continue to treat animals badly. Our efforts in spreading awareness help to create regulations that punish people who mistreat animals.
It makes us better humans
Showing kindness to animals simply makes us better human beings. It shows that we still carry goodness in our hearts.
Be Kind To Animals Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 1 | Sunday |
| 2023 | May 7 | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 4 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday |
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