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5 ways to careWays to help animals that you may not have consideredStory by Dan Toland We can all agree that taking care of animals is important, whether we're livestock farmers, dog and cat owners or wildlife enthusiasts. What can you do to help animals? Here are five ways to make your money, time and effort truly worthwhile. 1. Support trustworthy organizations Local Shelters Donations and adoption of healthy, properly vaccinated pets from shelters help cover costs for local humane organizations, which receive the majority of their funds through local donations. “Everybody should make sure when they donate to an organization that it is doing the work it says it does,” said Fairfield County Farm Bureau President Don Sharp. The county Farm Bureau recently donated and installed a water heater at the Fairfield Area Humane Society to provide hot water to bathe and clean animals in the shelter. “Our local humane society workers live in our county and do work right here at home, where we can see the results,” Sharp said. Find a list of local humane shelters in Ohio at www.animalshelter.org/shelters/Ohio.asp American Humane (americanhumane.org) The American Humane Association (AHA) is the oldest humane association in the United States and the only organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. In addition to providing resources for pet rescue, adoption and shelter services, AHA has a separate farm animals program that takes into account input from animal science experts, veterinarians and other animal husbandry specialists. “We want to be sure humane efforts are not based on emotional issues, just good, solid animal husbandry,” said Kathi Brock, AHA director of strategic partnerships. “We work with farmers to help develop best practices to improve efficiencies and animal welfare.” Animals for Life Foundation Mike Bumgarner, vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau’s Center for Food and Animal Issues, said the Animals for Life Foundation “will work to engage and build understanding and trust in all the areas where animals touch our lives.” Support of the Animals for Life Foundation will give a voice to farmers, consumers, pet and horse owners, researchers, sportsmen, hunger advocates and animal welfare groups — all diverse interests with the common belief that people have the right to utilize animals and the responsibility to do so humanely. Bumgarner said the foundation will raise funds to ensure animals have their proper place in society; whether for recreation, companionship, food, sportsmanship or any other purpose. 2. Vote YES for the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board A YES vote for Issue 2 will establish the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board and ensure, on an ongoing basis, that humane treatment standards are addressed and established for farm animals in Ohio. A 13-member board of Ohioans with first-hand knowledge and experience in animal care and production will “make sure the standards which provide for the humane treatment of food animals not only address the well-being of the livestock we raise, but the social and economic acceptance of those practices,” said Ohio Farm Bureau’s Mike Bumgarner. Read more about the ballot issue. 3. Join FFA or 4-H The National FFA Organization and the 4-H program offer many projects for members to learn about and care for companion animals and livestock. Animal projects are graded on members’ knowledge in areas including proper nutrition, facilities, biology and end use of animals, whether for human companionship or to provide humans with food and fiber. Adults may take an advisory role in 4-H, where they may inform and educate members on the proper handling and care of animals. Learn more about Ohio 4-H at Ohio4h.org Learn more about Ohio FFA at OhioFFA.org 4. Support wildlife conservation The Columbus Zoo supports more than 70 wildlife conservation projects in 30 countries because of $1.1 million in program support. In southeast Ohio, The Wilds sits on nearly 10,000 acres and is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world. Rare and endangered species roam its open grassland habitat. The Wilds offers guided tours and in-depth science and educational programs to help forward its mission. “Any program we do here, we really try to get across the message of conservation,” said Conservation Specialist Troy Burch. “Of all the different habitat types endangered across the world, grasslands are doing worse than many. The wonderful grasslands here really attract wildlife you wouldn’t see in other places, or whose habitat is quickly disappearing.” 5. Spay & neuter your pets According to veterinarian Bob Knapp, past president of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, the No. 1 reason for spaying and neutering pets is population control. “Thousands of unwanted cats and dogs are in shelters. Sterilization can reduce those out of homes or in need of homes,” he said. “To me, that’s reason enough to have pets spayed and neutered.” Knapp said spaying and neutering pets early in life is the best step toward preventing life-threatening diseases and problems in areas such as mammary, rectal and perineum tissues, as well as reproductive areas. It can also reduce aggression, resulting in a better-trained, less anxious animal. “Generally speaking, spayed or neutered cats and dogs have healthier and longer lives,” Knapp said. To comment on this article e-mail info@ourohio.org, or log on to facebook.com/OurOhio or twitter.com/OurOhio. Paid for by Ohioans for Livestock Care PAC, John C. Fisher, Treasurer, 280 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. |
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