The children in 6T are working collaboratively to ‘make a difference’ to the issue of animal cruelty in County Durham. As part of this project, the pupils have researched and created this page on animal cruelty. It explains what it is, how you can help to tackle the issue, and the organisations and charities involved.

 

What is animal cruelty?

Animal cruelty can take many different forms. It includes abuse and violence towards an animal, but also neglect or failure to meet an animal’s needs. Not only can animals be hurt physically, they can also be tortured psychologically. Sometimes people force animals to breed or fight for money and entertainment

 The RSPCA has revealed that there were 7,180 complaints of animal cruelty investigated in 2017. County Durham had the second highest number of investigations in the north of England, at 3,384. 

Animal abuse is not tolerated and people can face a maximum prison sentence of five years if they are found guilty of causing harm to an animal.

 

 

How can you help?

As a class, we are trying to raise awareness of this distressing issue and fundraise to help to protect animals in our local community. Here are some suggestions on how you can help to tackle animal cruelty.

 

Donating

• You can show your support for animals by donating old unused items to the RSPCA or the Dogs Trust 
  through their websites. For example: you can donate squeaky toys or old tennis balls so that they have something to do. You can also donate inkjet cartridges, DVDs, computer games, consoles and clothes. These donations will turn into funds.
• You can also donate money online to the RSPCA or the Dogs Trust. This will allow the charities to rescue animals, rehabilitate them, provide them with veterinary care and help them to find a new home.

 

 

Fundraising

• Are you interested in fundraising for the RSPCA or the Dogs Trust? If you are, there are many fun ways in which you can raise money to help to save animals. You can fundraise by organising a bake sale, a fun run or a fancy dress event. They can all help to protect animals and relocate them to new homes. If you want to get some more ideas to fundraise for the RSPCA or the Dogs Trust, look on their websites to see some more ideas to raise money and to let you know how to organise an event.

 

 

Volunteering

• Volunteering for the RSPCA or the Dogs Trust are some of the best ways to help fight animal cruelty and look after animals. Without volunteers, these charities wouldn’t be able to save the neglected and abused animals in this world.
• There are many different ways in which you can volunteer to help these charities, including within their charity shops and animal and wildlife centres. No matter how you volunteer or how much time you can offer, your support will make a difference to animals.

 

Sponsorship

• With the help from sponsorship, you can give an abused animal a home, food and love that every animal needs.
• You can help the RSPCA by sponsoring dog kennels or cat pods for only £6.50 a month. In return you receive a special welcome pack, regular updates with photos and stories about the animals you have helped to keep safe and invitations to visit the dog kennel or cat pods you are sponsoring.
• You can help the Dogs Trust by sponsoring a dog for as little as £1 per week. This money helps stray and abandoned dogs in need. In return you receive news about your new best friend, including a photograph.

 

Which charities and organisations are trying to tackle animal cruelty? 

 

The Dogs Trust 

The Dogs Trust, formerly known as The National Canine Defence League, is the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, which was founded in 1891. It is their mission to rescue dogs in need of a loving home and ensuring that no healthy dog is ever destroyed. They help owners to micro-chip their dog to keep them safe. The Dogs Trust have 20 Rehoming Centres across the uk. They rely on donations, volunteers and fundraising to protect dogs from cruelty and neglect.

 

The RSPCA

 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was founded in 1824. This makes them the oldest animal welfare charity. Every day the RSPCA help to alleviate suffering of all animals, and campaign against, investigate and tackle animal cruelty. In 2016, 129,602 animals were redeemed from horrendous situations. With support from donations, volunteers, fundraising and sponsorship, the RSPCA provide shelter, food, rehabilitation, veterinary care and re-home animals which have been neglected or abused.

 

Helpful Tips for Dog Owners

Here are some of our helpful tips on how to look after your dog:

• Make sure your pet has a comfortable place to rest and sleep;
• Spend as much time as possible with your pet so they don’t feel abandoned or neglected;
• Always make sure your dog is equipped with a lead in public places;
• Provide your dogs with dog toys to play with to keep them entertained;
• Ensure your dog eats healthy dog food and provide them with fresh water at all times;
• Reward good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour;
• Toilet train your dog when they go outside;
• Make sure they are vaccinated, wormed and treated for fleas;
• Always take your dog out twice a day for a walk.