VSA's Humane Education Program
In recent years, it has become clear to many in VSA that, despite the hundreds of thousands of dollars that VSA has spent on spaying and neutering, the numbers of homeless animals, especially cats, has not decreased. There is still a lack of understanding about many animal related issues, including the need to spay or neuter companion animals, the plight of feral cats and chained dogs, co-existing with wildlife, treatment of animals raised for food, and exotic animals kept as pets.
We need to tell people about the huge numbers of cats, kittens and dogs that die each year in shelters because there are not enough homes. We need to inform people about how many cats and dogs are abandoned to die from starvation, predation and exposure to the extremes of Rhode Island weather. Our programs and literature are designed to be appropriate for various age groups and audiences.
VSA has realized that the long-term solution to issues of companion animal overpopulation, abuse and abandonment is in humane education. VSA has created two endowment funds with the Rhode Island Foundation to support its future efforts throughout the state to reduce animal suffering by educating the public, including young people, about humane and responsible treatment of animals. People who wish to donate or leave a bequest to VSA's endowment funds can do so by contacting the Rhode Island Foundation and contributing to either the VSA Warwick Humane Education Fund or the VSA Statewide Humane Education Fund.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT ANIMALS - Did you know...
- Cats are sexually mature at five months of age, and begin procreating at that time?
- Dogs suffer when they are deprived of the companionship of their human families?
- Cats and dogs are at risk for reproductive organ cancers if not spayed or neutered?
- Even Huskies cannot live outside 24/7 without adequate shelter and food?
- Many species of animals die in agony in needless experiments in laboratories?
- There are ways to co-exist safely with wildlife?
- Animals raised for food endure a lifetime of unspeakable cruelty?
These and other questions will be addressed by VSA's humane education program.
CONTACT US AT 401-273-0358 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE.
