Education Program: Instilling animal empathy through the arts
The Art for Animals’ Sake (AAS) education program delivers arts instruction to young adults promoting humane care and compassion for all animals. We believe that artistic expression is a unique approach to imparting empathy and awareness for all living things. The ultimate goal of our program is to prevent the neglect and abuse of animals and reduce the relinquishment of animal companions into the shelter system.
Working in conjunction with local rescue organizations and educational institutions, AAS is developing creative projects which will educate youth about responsible animal guardianship while helping to fill the increasing void in public school arts curriculum.
Background:
Art For Animals’ Sake’s educational programs focus on empathy and awareness which can result in improved outcomes for both animals and humans.
Animal Overpopulation in Shelters
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are approximately 5 - 7 million dogs and cats entering animal shelters nationwide every year. Approximately 3 - 4 million of these animals are euthanized.[1] Of the millions of animals in the shelter system, 20% were originally adopted from a shelter [2] and are destroyed simply because they cannot be placed in loving homes.
Abuse of Animals Linked to Domestic Violence
Contemporary reports support the link of animal abuse to domestic violence. Government data and scholarly studies show the prevalence of animal cruelty in domestic violence cases, revealing an increasing number of animals victimized by abusive partners every year. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that nearly a million animals a year are abused or killed in connection with domestic violence. 71% of domestic violence victims report that their abuser also targeted their animal (Ascione, 1997).[3] The most common victims are dogs (in a majority of cases pit bulls) who are subjected to unspeakable cruelty. [4]
Support our Education Program and Donate
Art For Animals’ Sake depends on donations from the community to make our work possible. You can support our Education Program with a monetary donation or with the contribution of art supplies. Thank you for helping us create a more compassionate future for animals and people.
[1] http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics.html, 1.2.12
[2] http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics.html, 1.2.12
[3] http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/abuse_neglect/facts/animal_cruelty_facts_statistics.html, 1.2.12
[4] http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/abuse_neglect/facts/animal_cruelty_facts_statistics.html, 1.2.12
Health Education: Adopt a healthy diet and an earth-friendly lifestyle
Adopting a compassionate diet is for many a gradual process.
Try substituting new recipes into your established routine and make the changes that make sense to you. Even small changes make a big difference in the well being of animals and the health of the planet.Click here for articles and information about adopting a plant based diet.
