WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU SAW AN ANIMAL BEING ABUSED?
To help citizens recognize and report acts of violence and neglect towards animals, the ASPCA is stepping up educational efforts this April--also known as Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. Thanks to the national exposure that our Humane Law Enforcement department receives on the weekly reality series "Animal Precinct," millions of Americans are becoming increasingly aware of what constitutes animal cruelty. "What people also need to learn from the show is that animal cruelty is a national problem," says ASPCA Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas. "Violence towards animals crosses all racial and socioeconomic lines and reaches from coast to coast."

No matter where you live, you can join us in this fight. Consider the following tips to make life more humane for the animals in your community:

* If you witness or hear about animal cruelty taking place--examples include stories of neighborhood children torturing cats, blood sports such as cock fighting and dog fighting, and companion animals being denied food, water, shelter and veterinary care--report it to your local humane organization or call your local police. Visit our website to find a Humane Law Enforcement Agency near you.

* Interested in taking a more active part in passing humane laws? Check out the ASPCA Advocacy Center, where you can send personal letters to your state and federal officials, urging them to support animal-friendly legislation.

* Teach your children well--by making sure that schools in your town include humane education as part of the curriculum. Contact education@aspca.org or visit ASPCA Humane Education online for classroom resources.

* Shelter professionals, help us promote Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month and check out our downloadable materials at ASPCA.org.

PLANNING TO FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN? READ THIS