There is no age requirement for becoming an animal advocate - a few tips for the younger people

August 16, 11:43 PMNY Animal Advocate ExaminerPatricia Flaherty

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Young volunteers of the ASPCA. Flickr/Creative Commons

The approach to animal advocacy needs adjustment.  Although the problem of animal abuse, inhumane treatment of animals, cruelty to animals is a massive problem, there are many layers of solutions and they can start with something as simple as a conversation. 

For the younger generation, it is important they know being an animal advocate does not have an age requirement.  Animal advocacy can start at any age and in many simple ways .  For starters, being an advocate for animals is any way you can speak up to help initiate positive change. 

Here are a few ideas on how you can speak up for the animals if you are part of the younger generation:

1. Be a credible witness - keep written records of any act of cruelty you witness.  Make sure to include all the details such as the date, place, what happened, and who was involved. 
2. Lead by example - be a responsible pet owner yourself!  Keep dogs on leashes when outside, and keep cats indoors. 
3. Spread the good word - engage in educational conversations with friends, family members, classmates, whoever will listen, about responsible pet care and info on animal cruelty and prevention. 
4. Volunteer in an animal advocacy organization - a shelter, activist non-profit, rescue organization, pet therapy programs, nearby ASPCA - many options, and a couple of hours a week can be extremely rewarding. 
5. Start a club - talk with a teacher you really like, and ask for her/his help in starting a club promoting the rights of animals.  With a few bake sales (who wouldn't buy a cupcake) and some creative fundraising efforts, you could really make an impact on your school community.
6. Bring a guest speaker to your school - sometimes having a high roller in the industry come to speak really hits the point home.  Contact local or national professionals in the field, and see if they would be interested in speaking.  Make sure you tell them all the good work you've done already! 
7. Have compassion and be pro-active - if you witness an animal being harmed, or know of an animal who looks sick or is in a situation that does not provide a healthy environment, tell an adult you trust.  Maybe that same teacher who is helping you with the animal rights club at school  Or possibly your older sibling.  Never try to intervene in the situation yourself.  Together, you and an adult can call the police or your local animal shelter.  It is important to inform the police, even if you feel nervous, because animal cruelty is against the law in all of the United States. 

Remember, this is no age requirement for becoming an animal advocate, and your advocacy can start with small and simple steps because, no matter how small the steps seem, they are still helping us move in the right direction! 

For more info: www.aspca.org