Source: Humane Society Legislative Fund
VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLARS
Every time you enter the marketplace, you vote for or against animals with your spending. Choose cosmetics and cleaning products not tested on animals. Adopt dogs, or cats from rescues or shelters, don’t buy animals from pet stores and never keep a wild animal for a pet. Avoid fur, exotic leathers, and the other cruel products of the commercial wildlife trade.
JOIN AND SUPPORT THE HSLF AND OTHER GROUPS THAT HELP ANIMALS
There is no substitute for organized, collective action for animals. Animal organizations rely on your support to advocate for progress in the realms of public and corporate policy and to foster greater understanding of humane issues. They mobilize their members and supporters to build awareness, to advance their campaigns, to provide direct care for animals and to apply pressure on lawmakers, corporations, and other decision-makers.
INFLUENCE LAWMAKERS
Contact lawmakers at the local, state, and federal level about pending animal welfare proposals. Enacting laws against malicious animal cruelty, animal fighting, killing marine mammals, stopping extreme confinement of farm animals, and banning trophy hunting of carnivores has been transformative for animals. So have laws encouraging positive protections and advances for animals, such as non-animal methods of research, humane technological innovation, and related measures. Public officials will act when they hear a clamor and see people demanding change. Sign up for emails alerts at hslf.org.
URGE ENFORCEMENT OF OUR LAWS
Encourage law enforcement agencies to be tough on cruelty, and press mayors, governors and other officials to enforce the law. You can also write to executive agencies, such as state and federal agriculture departments and wildlife agencies.
EAT LOWER ON THE FOOD CHAIN
Make your food choices a referendum on factory farming. Nourish yourself by eating more plant-based foods, which are better for your, the planet and animals. Reduce your consumption of meat. If you eat animal products, choose those with the labeling certifications “Global Animal Partnership,” “Animal Welfare Approved” or “Certified Humane.”
MINIMIZE AND ELIMINATE FOOD WASTE
Americans throw out 40% of their food (including 22% of animal products), and there are enormous costs in the form of greenhouse gas emissions and energy inputs in producing food. We could spare more than a billion animals in the U.S. alone every year just by eliminating food waste. Ask restaurants to provide appropriate portions and take what food you don’t eat home so you can eat it later. Split a plate if you and your dining companion know that will be enough for you at that meal.
SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT ANIMAL PROTECTION
The greatest antidote to cruelty is an informed citizenry. There’s so much good information on the web about animal issues – find it, access it and share it with friends and family members on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. When you give a gift, consider a book, film or some other item that encourages them to learn more about animal protection.
RMIND CORPORATE LEADERS ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OBLIGATIONS
If you are an investor in a company, write a letter to the CEO about the importance of strong animal welfare policies. Urge its leadership to be conscientious and scrupulous about animal welfare issues and urge it to become a leader for best practices in its industry. If you are a member of a pension fund, urge its managers not to invest in companies involved with factory farming or meat processing, and if they do, ask that they strongly insist upon meaningful animal welfare policies.
TRAVEL LIKE AN ECOTURIST
Choose eco-friendly destinations for your vacations. Nowadays, such tourism drives the global economy and benefits nations whose commitment to the needs of wildlife requires habitat preservation and management, law enforcement and ranger work and other necessary services.
CARE FOR LIVING BEINGS IN ALL THAT YOU DO
Adopt pets or foster them. Pick up plastic waste on beaches and in parks. Minimize and dispose of your waste carefully, since it diminishes healthy habitats for animals and can even kill them. Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle, and bike and walk more.
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