In 1915, the American Humane Society designated the first full week in May as Be Kind To Animals Week. Its intent was to combat the widespread cruelty that animals—particularly workhorses—faced at the time. The goal was to build a “national culture of compassion” and bring issues of animal welfare to the public consciousness.
While the specific challenges animals face have evolved, the core mission of the week remains the same: to encourage kindness, compassion, and better treatment for all animals, including pets, wildlife, and farm animals.
The need for kindness is as relevant today as it was over a century ago. Some ways to practice this, per the AHS, are to adopt a pet from a local animal shelter or rescue group; ensure your pets are spayed or neutered, have proper identification (like microchips and ID tags), and are given plenty of love and exercise; support companies that are committed to animal welfare; protect wild animals by respecting their habitats, observing them from a safe distance and never feeding them; and educate children about the importance of being kind and gentle with all living creatures.
Celebrate Be Kind To Animals Week by being kind to animals (including your fellow humans) this week and every week. To accompany your celebration here is a playlist of music made by some very talented animals:
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