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There are many ways that you can help prevent and stop animal abuse in Canada. You can also help make the lives of animals better in your area by donating your time and some of your money to local causes. Here are some suggestions:
Volunteering at your local shelter or animal welfare organization
There are many animal welfare organizations in Canada looking for volunteers to donate their time and talent. From walking shelter dogs to data entry to joining the board of directors or a committee, organizations can always benefit from bringing on board a committed volunteer.
Donating
Sometimes donating your time to an organization is not possible. However, a monetary contribution to your local shelter will help them get the supplies and resources they need to help animals in your area. Even a very small donation can go towards directly improving the lives of shelter animals by buying food, or paying for a vet check-up.
Joining Facebook Causes page
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies has its very own Facebook Causes page. Here you can keep up to date on all of our work and new programs that we are undertaking. You can also make a donation to either the CFHS or other causes through this application.
Write a Letter to your MP, MPP, MHA MNA or MLA
Regardless of what province you live in, you can make a difference by writing to your local government representative to ask them to do more for animals in Canada. Most provinces have reasonably good animal protection acts now, although some still need to be updated and strengthened. However, the federal Criminal Code is extremely outdated and does not adequately protect animals from abuse. Canada needs comprehensive legislation at every level to help improve and safeguard the lives of animals.
To find your local Federal MP click here.
Encourage your municipal government to adopt better animal control laws
Local governments can also improve the lives of animals by changing their animal control bylaws. The CFHS has worked with the other members of the National Companion Animal Coalition to develop a model for municipal bylaws which can be found under the Animals and the Law section. Take a look and see if your local bylaws do enough for the animals in your area.
Another area where local governments can get involved is by trying to curb the cat overpopulation problem in many shelters. New cat licensing regulations, such as the model introduced by the City of Calgary, have helped to curb the problem of cats in shelters by reuniting animals with their owners. As well, a differential licensing system where owners of animals that are spayed or neutered pay a lower licensing fee will encourage owners to spay or neuter their cats.
