April is over! It has gone to the animals! Over at the ASPCA, April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Here at les violettes, every month and every day is about the prevention of cruelty to animals. Did you know that the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the oldest humane organization in the United States? Henry Bergh founded the society in 1866 around the same time that the first legislation was passed against cruelty to animals. As an aside, Bergh was also involved in the welfare of children and founded a similar society for children.

The ASPCA focuses on three core areas: community outreach, animal health services and anti-cruelty initiatives.  Another area is animal adoption such as the cute, feral kitty pictured above.  Please sign the animal pledge to end cruelty.

A Petition to the United States Congress

I, the undersigned American citizen, believe that animals, like all sentient beings, are entitled to basic legal rights in our society. Deprived of legal protection, animals are defenseless against exploitation and abuse by humans. As no such rights now exist, I urge you to pass legislation in support of the following basic rights for animals:

The Right of animals to be free from exploitation, cruelty, neglect, and abuse.

The Right of laboratory animals not to be used in cruel or unnecessary experiments.

The Right of farm animals to an environment that satisfies their basic physical and psychological needs.

The Right of companion animals to a healthy diet, protective shelter, and adequate medical care.

The Right of wildlife to a natural habitat, ecologically sufficient to a normal existence and self-sustaining species population.

The Right of animals to have their interests represented in court and safeguarded by the law of the land.

More than a quarter-million Americans have already signed the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Bill of Rights. As your constituent, I urge you to consider animals and their basic rights when supporting legislation. Animals can’t vote, but those who love them do!

Please sign this petition to support basic rights and humane treatment of our animal friends. Merci!