A list of New Year’s resolutions can easily include making a pledge to improve the lives of animals, from the dog in the shelter to the hen in the cramped cage.
Here are our top 10 commitments for animals in the new year.
1. Adopt; don’t buy. Animal shelters are filled with dogs and cats waiting for a home. The economic crisis has forced some families to give up their pets. Adopting from shelters and rescue groups saves a life and prevents the misery of dogs housed as breeding stock at puppy mills. Most animals for sale at pet stores and online come from these abusive puppy mills.
1. Be cruelty-free: purchase only cosmetics and personal care products that have not been tested on animals. You can take the pledge and learn more about cruelty free products here.
2. Get involved in efforts to protect animals. Go to humanesociety.org to sign up for email alerts and to learn more about the needs of animals in your community and around the world.
3. Making even small dietary changes can make a big difference for animals. Resolving to not eggs from caged hens can improve the welfare of countless birds. Or commit to eat meatless meals more often.
