How to Celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

April has been designated as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month by who other than? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, of course. Founded in 1866 and North America's oldest humane society--the ASPCA's driving principle is: animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans, and must be protected under the law. On April 7, the month kicks off with buildings and landmarks across the country lighting up in the ASPCA's signature color: orange. Here are some ways to join in and "go orange for animals"--and show your red, white and blue.

Things You'll Need

  • A love for animals
  • A kind heart and good spirit
  • Dedication
  • Plenty of orange
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Instructions

    • 1

      Contact your city or town council to see about getting prominent local landmarks and buildings to light up orange-including town halls, storefronts, schools, libraries, museums, parks and ball fields. Let them know that New York, Chicago and many other cities lit up orange last year--even Niagara Falls had a nice orange glow. You might also contact individual companies and smaller businesses to see if they'll light up orange for the animals.

    • 2

      Become an ASPCA Ambassador and create your own grassroots events such as: a marathon, bowling tournament, car wash, pet parade, orange bake sale, orange-themed party, orange juice/orangeade stand, orange "yappy hour"--the possibilities are endless. You can invite your family, friends, neighbors and local businesses to sponsor you.

      Register your event on the ASPCA Ambassadors website (see link in Resources below) and enter the Community Leader Contest for a chance to win a $500 Amex gift card for you and a $1,000 grant for the shelter or rescue group of your choice.

    • 3

      Alert your local media outlets including radio and TV stations and newspapers that April is "Go Orange for Animals Month." Let them know of your plans and any other related events that will be taking place in your area.

    • 4

      Spread the word through your community. Inform everyone that it's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Hang downloadable ASPCA posters (which can be downloaded from their website) in public places like libraries, schools and your workplace. The posters can contain such information as the ASPCA's Top Ten Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty. You can also make your own posters.

    • 5

      Spread the word on the Internet. Dedicate your Facebook status, MySpace page or blog to the ASPCA during the month of April and encourage people you know to spread the word about the "Go Orange" campaign as well. Join the ASPCA "cause" and other animal-related causes on Facebook and put an ASPCA or other animal organization donation widget on your web page if you have one.

      You can also share ideas for events in the "Go Orange for Animals" discussion group on the ASPCA Online Community.

    • 6

      Coordinate a "Go Orange for Animals" event with a local animal rescue or shelter and donate the proceeds and/or supplies that you collect. You can decorate the building orange and/or put up orange decorations, such as balloons, at the event. Possibilities might include a fundraising event or donation drive such as collecting blankets and towels for local shelters and rescues. To find a shelter or rescue organization near you, visit The ASPCA shelter database or Pet Harbor, which has a comprehensive list of shelters and rescues throughout the United States that you can search by putting in your zip code (see Resources).

    • 7

      Sponsor a homeless pet or pets from a local animal rescue or shelter by taking out an ad in a local newspaper or magazine or featuring them on your Facebook or MySpace page, blog or website. You can include that you are sponsoring the pet(s) for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and even dress him/her up in orange (or at least an orange bow tie or bandana). Encourage people you know to do the same.

    • 8

      Show the world how you've "gone orange" by sharing your photos. You can upload them onto Flickr and other online photo-sharing sites. Be sure to include "goorange2009" in the tags.