5 tips for a cruelty-free 2019
As we start the New Year, we are pleased to share the following tips and resources for living cruelty-free in 2019.
Our vision is a world where animal welfare matters, and animal cruelty has ended. If you are reading this blog, we are sure you share this vision. The decisions you make on daily basis from the foods you eat to the activities you choose to participate in can have tremendous impact on the health and well-being of animals. We hope you find these tips helpful and are rooting you on in your cruelty-free journey!
TRAVEL: Avoid cruel wildlife entertainment venues
Making travel plans for the new year? Many people who love animals, want to jump at the chance to interact and engage with them on vacation, unknowingly continuing a cycle of abuse. Be sure to research the sights you plan to visit and leave cruel wildlife entertainment venues off your itinerary.
Captive wild animals endure appalling cruelty for tourist entertainment across the globe. There are also major health and safety risks to tourists participating in wild animal attractions.
Whether going for an elephant ride, posing for a wildlife selfie photo-op or swimming with dolphins, think twice before buying a ticket to cruelty.
Before you pack your bags read our guide to an animal-friendly vacation. And stay tuned to our Twitter account for news about more animal-friendly companies and venues in 2019.
DIET: Consume less meat and purchase only high-welfare products
Many of us have the urge to start healthier habits when the new year rolls around, and there are many ways to do so that benefit the lives of animals around us.
At more than 270 pounds per person, Americans consume more meat per year than almost every other country. The unsustainable, increasing demand for meat over decades has led to the proliferation of factory farms – the largest cause of animal cruelty in the world.
Factory farming is bad for animals, people and the planet and must end. Even small changes can mean big changes for animals.
To begin, consider adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet one day a week, or for two meals a day.
Diets such as the Flexitarian diet are a great way to transition or adopt a long-term plant-based diet. The Flexitarian diet encourages mostly plant-based foods while allowing meat in moderation and has several possible health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease, weight loss, and diabetes prevention.
Lastly, we encourage you to be a thoughtful and conscious consumer. Know where your food is sourced and purchase products that are sustainably sourced and come from high-welfare farms.
ADOPT: Rescue a domestic animal from a shelter, leave exotic animals in the wild
If you’re looking to add another member to the family, find a local animal shelter to adopt from! There are so many loving and deserving domestic animals that are looking for a forever home.
Another thing to remember is to never choose a wild animal as a pet. Exotic animals, such as African gray parrots, snakes and turtles, belong in the wild and cannot live their fullest lives while in captivity in tiny cages and tanks.
A domesticated animal has been selectively bred over thousands of years to live happily side by side with humans. Select a pet that will be just as happy living with you as you are with it.
Learn more about the deadly exotic pet trade and the Wildlife. Not pets campaign.
RESEARCH: Stay informed, be a conscious consumer, and spread the world
One of the most important things you can do to help animals live free from cruelty and suffering is to educate yourselves and stay up to date on issues relating to animal welfare. Knowledge is power – and by understanding the plight of animals around the world, we can help educate others and give a voice to the voiceless.
One way to stay up-to-date is to sign up to our monthly newsletter, where we give updates on our work and global animal welfare issues.
ACT: Support the animals you love
Lastly, find ways to take action to support the animals you love by signing petitions, speakingup to insist companies enact animal welfare policies, vote for animal-friendly legislation volunteer, or donate.
Through the generous donations of thousands of supporters, World Animal Protection was able to help millions of animals in 2018. Watch this video for some of the highlights. We aim to help even more this year and your donation can bring us closer to a world free of animal cruelty.
If you’d like to help World Animal Protection end animal cruelty and suffering this year, donate here.
Cheers to a cruelty-free 2019!
