It all started with a notification on the Nextdoor app. My family and I read a post about two stray dogs, now named Brick and Carmello. Someone found them tied to a pole in a park. Brick found a way to untie himself but refused to leave his brother alone. They were tired, hungry, and needed a safe place to stay. We learned that if no one took them in, they would be put down.
When COVID-19 hit, many people started working from home and adopted pets. However, now that people had returned to the office, they returned their pets. With shelters overcrowded, more dogs were euthanized.
Moved, my family decided to take Brick and Carmello temporarily, thinking it would be just a brief effort. However, as time went on, our “brief” effort turned into a larger one. For the next eight months, we dedicated ourselves to housing, feeding, and nurturing ten rescued animals, helping each one find a loving home.
This experience deepened my awareness of animal injustice and taught me that animals, just like humans, have feelings and deserve respect and care. Each dog had its unique personality, but they had one thing in common: fear. Moreover, they all shared an appreciation for kindness and care, just like any person would.
Sadly, animal injustice is widespread. Stories of abuse, neglect, and unethical practices involving animals circulate online every day, from overcrowded shelters to exploitation in breeding practices. We could see the fear in Brick and Carmello’s eyes—they were so scared of being abandoned again. They were so skinny we could see their ribs. Witnessing this on social media initially shocked me but also inspired me to take action. I realized that people—especially young people—can make a significant difference in fighting animal injustice.
Here are some ways we youth can contribute to animal welfare in their communities:
- Volunteering at Animal Shelters: Often overcrowded, shelters rely heavily on volunteers. By walking, feeding, or simply comforting the animals, we can improve their quality of life. Websites like VolunteerMatch can help locate volunteering opportunities at shelters. One such opportunity involves helping Texas shelters suffering from overcrowding by reaching out to other shelters in less-populated states, creating more space, and giving more animals a chance for adoption.
- Fostering Animals: We can provide a low-stress environment for animals struggling in shelters until we can find someone ready to adopt them.
- Standing Against Inhumane Practices: We can petition against the culling of show-breeding litters and many more such local laws and regulations. We can rally for change through petitions, community forums, or speaking up at local government meetings.
- Raising Funds for Shelters: Organizing a bake sale or lemonade stand can make a big difference. Even small contributions help fund medical care, food, and other essentials.
- Creating Habitats for Local Wildlife: Not all animal injustices involve pets; wild animals suffer too. Simple projects like making frog habitats in our communities can offer much-needed shelter to these small creatures, giving them a safe place away from urban dangers. The organization Conserve It Forward provides guidelines to help youth build these habitats, supporting local biodiversity.
- Fighting for Endangered Animals: Extending the animal rescue cause to larger conservation issues is also essential. To save orangutans from diminishing palm oil habitats, we can pledge with organizations like the Orangutan Gang and advocate against using unsustainable palm oil by contacting companies and spreading awareness through social media. Our small efforts contribute to larger global movements, preserving ecosystems and protecting animals from unjust harm.
Animals are sentient beings who can feel and experience life just as we do. Their loyalty, fear, joy, and pain are evident in how they interact with the world and those who treat them kindly. My family’s experience rescuing dogs opened my eyes to the vast needs of animals and the incredible difference even a small group of people can make. Young people are particularly powerful in this mission. Our energy, compassion, and creativity can reshape our communities and protect animals from injustice!
- Maya
- USA