- Make sure you know where your pets are at all times, especially cats and dogs. If you have a cat that lives outside, make sure it has a collar with a bell on it to warn birds when your cat is around. Also make sure your animals are safe in the house or in a secure yard at night time to avoid them from attacking nightlife whilst you're asleep.
- Always walk your dog on a leash unless you are in a park that has a no leash zone. This will protect your pet and other people's pets from getting injured.
- If you see someone hurting an animal or not treating it in a humane manner, report it to your local authorities.
- If you see a wild animal that has been injured, don't handle it yourself. Get an adult to help you assess the situation and call WIRES on 13000WIRES to report injured wildlife so a professional can come to its aid.
- Donate some of your pocket money or time to an animal charity - there's tonnes out there and they all need help from volunteers right through to donations.
- If you have a pet (in particular a dog or cat) de-sexing will help other animals in the long run. Some families have pets that aren't de-sexed and then they end up with an unwanted litter. The RSPCA does their best to find homes for unwanted animals, but unfortunately those that don't find homes have to be euthanased.
- Ask your school to invite a representative from the RSPCA to come and talk to your class about caring for animals. The RSPCA provides this service especially for kids to teach you all of the things you need to know about looking after animals and pets.
- Organise a charity day at school to raise funds for an animal charity of your choice. There are a list of national animal days including World Animal Day, National Threatened Species day and more. Research your favourite animal and find out when you can help.
Here's a list of Animal Welfare charities that need all the help they can get. Visit their sites to see how you can make a difference.
What are Girl Guides Australia doing to help combat animal cruelty?
One of the Guide Laws is that a Girl Guide is kind to animals and respects all living things. Many Guides around the country support the RSPCA and other animal charities, raising money, making animal treats, collecting animal food, making blankets and supporting events. Guides can choose to do this just for fun, or as part of a pet badge. Girl Guides Australia is proud to be gold sponsors of the Australian Koala Foundation.
