Since 2006, the ASPCA officially recognizes April as the month for raising awareness of animal cruelty and the need to put an end to it. The organization’s founder launched the ASPCA in April of 1866 after witnessing a driver beating a workhorse during a U.S. diplomatic trip to Russia. For more than 150 years, the ASPCA has celebrated its status as an innovative model for communities and officials to uphold anti-cruelty laws.

How You Can Help — The Basics

Animals depend on compassionate and caring individuals to protect them from unlawful behavior. Without your watchfulness, the officials who can put a stop to cruelty may not see or learn of animals in need. Your diligence and reporting can make a difference in ending harmful human conduct. If you come across an abandoned animal or one suffering from an attack, quick medical attention can bring about recovery without lasting trauma.

You can also help teach others about animal safety and how to promote the humane cause. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is a great time to start!

Orange — The Color of the ASPCA’s Commitment to Animal Welfare

Many vital causes are identified through a representative color. Red generally displays an awareness of the need to promote heart health. Orange is the hue that demonstrates your knowledge and support of animal welfare.

The color orange represents key factors of the ASPCA's mission and abilities:

•       Rescuing animals: Special skills and negotiation abilities may be needed to remove animals from abusive environments.

•       Rehabilitating injuries: Vulnerable animals need trained veterinarians to provide them with surgery or medical care.

•       Placing and adoption: Experienced advocates review each animal's unique needs to find suitable homes.

•       Protection and prevention: State and federal regulations prohibiting animal cruelty allow officials to prosecute wrongdoers. Animals have rights that can be exercised in a court of law by legal professionals.

Getting Involved

You can assist from your home or car to help an animal you suspect is being abused. Communicating an incident to your local shelter, animal control agency or veterinarian can result in quick and thorough reporting to the proper authorities.

Connect with the animal welfare community online and through a mobile phone:

•       Discover contact information, websites, and social media pages of reputable organizations. Details should match the information shown in public records such as the Secretary of State's website for business registrations and nonprofit organization databases.

•       Sign up for email or text message updates to stay on top of current events, news, and important animal-related issues. Shelters and other organizations can keep you informed of opportunities to assist animals in need.

•       Donate through a fundraising campaign. Legitimate animal welfare organizations allow constituents to make a one-time or recurring donation through a mobile device.

Spotting Signs and Symptoms of Animal Cruelty

Animal abuse not only occurs in the "real" world but also over the internet. Online videos of dog fights, for example, are a form of cruelty often posted for social media "likes" or other false rewards.

Common physical signs of cruelty or neglect may include:

•       Open or bleeding wounds, skin conditions or bumps

•       Broken or fractured bones, limping or a tucked tail

•       Chains, padlocks, or a harsh leash around the neck

•       Fleas, thin body or debris stuck in fur

By reporting animal cruelty, you can help officials find wrongdoers and hold them accountable for their unlawful acts. Doing so helps both law enforcement and your community.

Wellness exams, healing treatments and alternative medicine can help animals recover from injuries, abusive environments, or neglectful owners. The staff and veterinarians at Pet Hospitals of Hawaii are animal lovers and fully committed to their welfare. Set a good example for other animal owners to see. April is the month to spread word of the simple actions that can be taken to prevent animal cruelty and neglect.