It’s Animal Abuse Prevention Day in B.C.

Today is Animal Abuse Prevention Day in B.C. and the B.C. SPCA is hoping the province’s communities will rally around a great cause by taking action.

Animal Abuse Prevention Day has been observed since 2011 after a private citizen requested a provincial proclamation as a memorial to 56 sled dogs in Whistler who lost their lives on April 23, 2010. That proclamation has been observed by the provincial government each year since, making this year the fourth annual event.

The B.C. SPCA investigates nearly 8,000 complaints of animal abuse and neglect each year. The agency lists a few things people can do:

• Don’t be a bystander! If you are concerned that an animal may be in distress, do not ignore it. Your actions could help save a life. In addition to protecting the animal, you may also be protecting children or adults at risk of being harmed. Recognize the signs of an animal in distress and report animal cruelty to B.C. SPCA’s toll-free hotline at 1-855-622-7722.

• Take responsibility for the animals in your life. Animals are a part of everyone’s life. Pets, wildlife, farm animals and animals used in research can all benefit from our actions. Be a responsible animal guardian, learn about the Five Freedoms, choose SPCA Certified foods and protect wildlife.

• Speak up for animals. Send a message to your local elected officials to let them know how important it is to have strong animal protection legislation as well as resources for animal cruelty law enforcement and prevention work. You can also add your voice to one of our animal welfare campaigns.

• Teach the kids in your life that kindness counts. Early prevention is our best weapon in the fight against animal abuse. Summer camps, Pro-D day workshops, school presentations, teacher curriculum units and our popular Kids Club are just some of the engaging ways the BC SPCA’s youth education programs help children of all ages develop lifelong empathy skills and learn the value of compassion toward all living things.

• Learn about the Violence Link. All too often, animals are not the only victims of abuse. “There is a strong connection between animal cruelty and other forms of violence such as bullying and domestic abuse.”