April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and each year, the

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and each year, the ASPCA urges supporters across the country to support their efforts and Go Orange for Animals in honor of the signing of the ASPCA’s charter in 1866. Throughout the month, members should show their support by donning the signature color and going orange for animals. Please join us for this month-long celebration of our victories in the fight against animal cruelty.

On your mark, get set, go orange! One of the ASPCA’s most important events is the celebration of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Each year, we urge supporters across the country to Go Orange for Animals throughout April—the month in 1866 when the ASPCA’s charter was signed—to raise awareness for our cause.

According to the ASPCA, every ten seconds an animal is abused or beaten. DAWS is proud to join the ASPCA as they celebrate 145 years of fighting animal cruelty.

Recognizing cruelty is simple right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. “It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristin Collins, CPDT.

You are probably familiar with well-publicized animal cruelty cases BUT did you know:

• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair? That is animal cruelty.
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without shelter? That is animal cruelty.
• Your neighbor who doesn’t treat their diabetic cat? That is animal cruelty
• Your co-worker who keep his puppy in a crate 24 hours a day? That is animal cruelty.

“Reporting suspected animal cruelty ensures that animals in jeopardy receive prompt and often lifesaving care” says ASPCA Special Agent Joann Sandano. “By making a complaint to the police or Humane Society in your area-you can even do so anonymously-you can help ensure that animals in need are rescued and that perpetrators of animal cruelty are brought to justice.”