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April

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month – April 2024

Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month is in April and it recognizes the need for animal care and protection. If you have a furry buddy, they are almost certainly the light of your life. They’d do anything for you and vice versa. But what if your best friend is mistreated? Animal abuse is a sad reality that has existed for ages. Our furry friends cannot speak up to stop the mistreatment, so it is up to us to put an end to this. This is where Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month comes into play. This April, let’s come together and stand against animal abuse to protect our furry buddies. 

When is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month 2024?

The month of April is dedicated to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals because being cruel to animals is an unjustifiable act that shouldn’t exist in any civilized society.

History of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

We may think that animals are dependent on us but, let’s face it, humans are also highly dependent on animals. Our furry friends support us with unconditional companionship and bring joy to our lives. Our pets capture our hearts and become part of our families. 

Unfortunately, animal cruelty is still widespread and common, and no matter how much a society progresses, if animal abuse and cruelty are prevalent in it, it can still be considered savage and primitive. For this reason, rather than one single day, an entire month is dedicated to the elimination of animal cruelty and creating awareness for it. Animal abuse is around us, in every community we live in. That cat lady, who you think is doing a good job of keeping cats off the streets, may actually be a hoarder and neglecting the animals. Many celebrities are also passionate about the cause and use their platforms for the promotion of animal rights and welfare. 

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) started the observance of this month-long campaign in 2006. It takes place annually and has become a nationwide celebration of the protection of animals. 

In 1863, during his travels to Russia, New York-based Henry Bergh stopped a man from beating his fallen horse. It was a pivotal moment for Bergh because it was then and there that he realized how this one act could be a catalyst for change in the world. Upon his return to New York, he devoted his time to the prevention of cruelty to animals. He founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1866. 

It was a time in America when animals weren’t respected at all — horses were the primary modes of transportation and were used to carry large loads through streets, dogs were kidnapped and held for ransom, cockfighting was a common form of entertainment, and the list goes on. This did not deter Bergh — he became more determined than ever to create a safe haven for animals and fight for policy changes to promote kind treatment towards animals. 

 

The ASPCA’s logo was drawn and presented by Frank Leslie in 1867. The seal shows an angel taking pity on a fallen cart horse and protecting it against an abuser. The ASPCA diversified its work, improving animal rescue efforts as well as advocating for compassion. By the 2000s, the ASPCA had become a leader in helping animals during natural disasters and animal cruelty cases. Following the destructive Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the ASPCA assisted in rescuing animals and nursing them back to health. 

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month timeline

1300 B.C.
Cats are Burnt Alive

During the Middle Ages, many superstitious Europeans routinely burn cats alive, believing they are common witch familiars and associated with the Devil.

80 A.D.
The Colosseum Opens

When Emperor Titus opens the Colosseum to the Roman public, over 5,000 beasts are slaughtered to commemorate the occasion, heralding centuries of killing for entertainment.

1634
The Irish Animal Protection Law

The Irish Parliament passes one of the earliest pieces of animal protection law: An Act against Plowing by the Tayle, and tearing the Wool off living Sheep.

1641
First Animal Cruelty Laws Passed

Massachusetts Bay Colony's Body of Liberties establishes the first laws in America disavowing animal abuse.

1809
Animal Abuse in Parliament

Lord Thomas Erskine addresses British Parliament concerning animal abuse, becoming the first person to mention the issue in front of a legislative court.

1822
The British Parliament Livestock Protection Law

The British Parliament passes the Act to Prevent the Cruel and Improper Treatment of Cattle, which is led by Richard Martin.

1866
The American Society For Animal Cruelty Prevention

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is established.

1961
The First Orca is Captured

The Orca, in its distress, is killed in its frantic attempts to escape.

1971
The Animal Welfare Act

The animals used in research are excluded and put under protection by the Animal Welfare Act.

2014
The American Animal Cruelty Investigations School

The American Animal Cruelty Investigations School gives training to law enforcement and animal care and control professionals.

By the Numbers

Every 60 seconds – the frequency of animal abuse in the world.

65% – the percentage of all abused animals that are dogs.

10 million – the number of animals who die each year in the U.S. from abuse alone.

847 – the number of drug positive racing greyhounds found in Florida between 2007 and 2017.

100,000 – the number of horses that are killed in the U.S. and processed for human consumption.

250,000 – the average number of animals who are victims of hoarding by their owners every year.

10,000 – the number of puppy mills in the United States.

– the number of parrot species on the verge of extinction due to the exotic bird trade.

115 million – the number of animals used for lab experiments around the world.

97% – the number of animals killed and tortured every year that are farm animals.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month FAQs

What is the most common animal abuse?

Animal neglect is the most common form of abuse. 

What distinction is between animal cruelty and abuse?

Animal abuse can take many forms, including withholding food and water, or neglecting the animal, whereas cruelty is when an animal is purposely harmed or injured.

What is animal cruelty?

Animal cruelty is defined as intentionally harming, hurting, depriving, or killing an animal.

How to Observe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

  1. Buy cage-free eggs and grass-fed beef

    We won’t ask you to give up omelets and burgers, but buying cruelty-free products helps endorse companies that make an effort to treat their animas with respect. Plus, these products are much better for you and less packed with dyes and artificial growth hormones.

  2. Adopt pets from a local rescue center

    Adoption is better than resorting to get your pet from a puppy mill or breeders who encourage unhealthy incestuous couplings to get an animal with the desired breed-qualities. Mutts typically live longer than purebreds and have less health issues too.

  3. Visit the A.S.P.C.A. website to get involved

    Check out the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.) for some ways you can get involved. You'll find information and tools on how to raise money for animals in need and volunteer options at your local animal shelter.

5 Alarming Facts About Animal Abuse

  1. Cycle of abuse

    Studies show that animal abuse is higher in families with cases of child abuse.

  2. The most abused pet

    65% of abused pets are dogs.

  3. Fur fashion

    3 million animals are killed in the U.S. alone every year for their fur.

  4. Death by selfie

    Caged sloths die within 6 months of captivity due to the unsettling and disturbing ‘wildlife selfies’ and public demand for entertainment by tourists.

  5. Laboratory experiments

    115 million animals are used in laboratory experimentation yearly.

Why Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is Important

  1. It creates awareness

    The holiday celebration creates an awareness of animal cruelty. Increasing public awareness of animal cruelty is a vital step toward educating people about how pervasive the problem is and what they can do to assist.

  2. It promotes compassion

    It is critical to the development of a compassionate and caring society that is responsible for ourselves, each other, our fellow creatures, and the environment. A humane and ethically responsible society is built on the foundation of humane education.

  3. Information saves lives

    Many pet owners aren’t aware they are endangering the lives of their furry/scaly/feathered companions. Thousands of dogs die in hot cars every year. An awareness of how to protect your pets would prevent this travesty.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month dates

YearDateDay
2024April 1Monday
2025April 1Tuesday
2026April 1Wednesday
2027April 1Thursday
2028April 1Saturday
Be Kind to Spiders Week
Blue Ribbon Week
Golden Rule Week
International Pooper Scooper Week
Laugh at Work Week
Medication Safety Week
National Bake Week
National Cancer Registrars Week
National Public Health Week
National Window Safety Week
Take Your Poet to School Week
Testicular Cancer Awareness Week
April Fools' Day
Assyrian New Year
Boomer Bonus Days
Community Garden Week
Cyprus National Holiday
Dyngus Day
Easter Monday
Edible Book Day
Fossil Fools Day
International Fun at Work Day
International Tatting Day
Library Snap Shot Day
Lupus Alert Day
Martyrdom of Imam Ali
Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month
Myles Day
National Connor Day
National Fun Day
National Greeting Card Day
National Loyal Day
National One Cent Day
National Sourdough Bread Day
National Trombone Players Day
Nature Day
Nickelodeon Anniversary Celebration Day
Odisha Day
Reading is Funny Day
St. Stupid Day
Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action
U.S. Air Force Academy Day
U.S. Air Force Academy Day
White House Easter Egg Roll
Adopt a Ferret Month
Adopt a Greyhound Month
Arab American Heritage Month
Autism Acceptance Month
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month
Cancer Control Month
Canine Fitness Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
Cesarean Awareness Month
Child Abuse Awareness Month
Children and Nature Awareness Month
Counseling Awareness Month
Couple Appreciation Month
Cranberries and Gooseberries Month
Deaf History Month
Defeat Diabetes Month
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Dog Appreciation Month
Earth Month
Emotional Overeating Awareness Month
Fair Housing Month
Filipino Food Month
Financial Capability Month
Financial Literacy Month
Fresh Florida Tomato Month
Genocide Awareness Month
Global Astronomy Month
Global Child Nutrition Month
Grange Month
Heartworm Awareness Month
IBS Month
Informed Women Month
International Amateur Radio Month
International Customer Loyalty Month
International Guitar Month
Jazz Appreciation Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
Month of the Military Child
Move More Month
Multicultural Communications Month
Multiple Birth Awareness Month
National African-American Women's Fitness Month
National Alcohol Awareness Month
National BLT Sandwich Month
National Car Care Month
National Card and Letter Writing Month
National Decorating Month
National Donate Life Month
National Facial Protection Month
National Food Month
National Foot Health Awareness Month
National Fresh Celery Month
National Frog Month
National Garlic Month
National Grilled Cheese Month
National Humor Month
National Internship Awareness Month
National Kite Month
National Knuckles Down Month
National Literature Month
National Minority Health Month
National Month of Hope
National Pecan Month
National Pest Management Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
National Poetry Month
National Rebuilding Month
National Safe Digging Month
National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month
National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month
National Social Security Month
National Soft Pretzel Month
National Soy Foods Month
National Volunteer Month
National Welding Month
National Woodworking Month
National Youth Sports Safety Month
Occupational Therapy Month
Panagyaman Rice Festival
Parkinson's Awareness Month
Parkinson's Awareness Month
Parliamentary Law Month
Pharmacists War on Diabetes Month
Physical Wellness Month
Poetic Earth Month
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Primary Immunodeficiency Month
Records and Information Management Month
Records and Information Management Month
Rosacea Awareness Month
Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
School Library Month
Scottish-American Heritage Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month
Step up for 30 For Bowel Cancer Month
STI Awareness Month
Straw Hat Month
Stress Awareness Month
Summer Tire Changeover Month
SunSmart Skin Cancer Prevention
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Tomatillo and Asian Pear Month
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Workplace Conflict Awareness Month
World Autism Month
World Landscape Architecture Month
Worldwide Bereaved Spouses Awareness Month

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