PET OHANA
HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
The kindergarten class from Sacred Hearts School was "all ears" for the message given by the Hawaiian Humane Society during a visit to the organization last month.
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April is a time to reinforce kindness toward animals
The Hawaiian Humane Society
The month of April is when springtime really arrives -- flowers bloom and the earth is reborn. April is also Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Hawaiian Humane Society. It's an appropriate time to renew our commitment to kindness. Violent acts aimed at animals, like violence against people, is a serious problem that our community must not tolerate.
Prevent animal abuse
What can you do?
» Report cruelty and abuse. Call the Hawaiian Humane Society immediately. Last year alone, humane investigators on Oahu responded to 2,309 rescues and emergencies, and investigated 1,268 cases of animal cruelty. Dispatch and emergencies: 946-2187, ext. 1.
» Educate yourselves. Call the Hawaiian Humane Society for information on programs that help children understand the needs of animals and our human responsibility for their welfare. Humane education: 356-2206.
» Protect your pets. Do not allow them to roam unsupervised. Not only do they face danger from speeding cars, spoiled food and aggressive animals, they risk falling into the hands of people who could harm them. Make sure your dogs are licensed and cats have identification, as required by law. Keep your pets' microchip ID information current. More information is available at the society's Web site at www.hawaiianhumane.org.
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The implications of cruel actions are frightening. It can begin when children are young and impressionable.
According to author Frank Ascione, "Mounting evidence shows that childhood acts of cruelty to animals, especially if the child gets away with it, often lead to later violent crimes against humans. Further, animal abuse is often an indicator of other abuse going on in the home."
Ascione's most recent book, "Children and Animals: Exploring the Roots of Kindness and Cruelty," is a valuable resource for those interested in child protection and law enforcement. He was the co-editor on an earlier book, "Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, and Animal Abuse: Linking the Circles of Compassion for Prevention and Intervention," and the author of the 2000 work titled "Safe havens for pets: Guidelines for programs sheltering pets for women who are battered." A professor in the Department of Psychology and adjunct professor in family and human development at Utah State University, Ascione is an expert in the development of antisocial and pro-social behavior in children. Like the humane societies, his commitment to the anti-cruelty message is further amplified during April.
A child's random act of cruelty could be a cry for help and signify a child who is abused by a parent or other person in the home. An adult who abuses animals is likely to also abuse a spouse or child. As psychologists and sociologists now know, cruelty toward animals is a form of domestic violence. Parents, teachers, sociologists and law enforcers should be warned that this type of violent, antisocial behavior must not be overlooked, ignored or dismissed.
Animal abuse is often motivated by fear and ignorance of animals and an inability to empathize with the needs and feelings of others. Like all domestic violence, animal abuse is part of a cycle of violence that is perpetuated from one generation to the next, and the most important means of fighting the problem is through prevention and education. In 2005 the society's humane educators worked with 9,643 children during 103 presentations at schools and 172 visits to the shelter.
Recently, the Hawaiian Humane Society set in motion an exciting new program called Kind Kids. Offered to fourth-grade classes on Oahu, the program brings a representative from the society to the classrooms for three visits promoting humane values.
"Fourth-graders are at an age where they are discovering more about the world," said Kerina Salazar, of the society's humane education department. "They are just becoming mature enough to understand the meaning of empathy, kindness and respect. The series of visits reinforces these definitions for them and teaches them practical lessons, too, such as the importance of pet sterilization and of keeping animals healthy. We encourage them to pass this message along to their families and friends."
Twelve schools and 40 fourth-grade classes have signed up for the Kind Kids program initiated this spring. The program will be expanded to more schools and other grades next year.
As parents, educators, community leaders and citizens, we must work to instill values of compassion and respect for all living things in Hawaii's youth. With guidance, children develop empathy for the pain animals can suffer. They can understand the importance of being kind not only to animals, but to each other as well. Perpetuating the message of kindness is the greatest gift that the month of April can bring.
Help isle pets at the Catsbah
Celebrate people and pets as the Hawaiian Humane Society presents "Tuxes and Tails 2006: Come to the Catsbah," a benefit for the organization being held tomorrow at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel Monarch Room.
The fun begins 6 p.m. with a "Cocktails and Canine Reception" featuring Mediterranean wines.
Dinner begins at 7:30, with a silent and live auction featuring merchandise valued at more than $80,000. Some of the items for bid include travel experiences, arts and a doghouse built by City Mill.
Tickets are $250 per person. Call 365-2212 for more information.
Star-Bulletin staff