by PegNews wire

Kindness toward animals is a building block of a humane and compassionate society.

The American Humane Association created Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915 to encourage compassion toward animals. Every year, animal shelters throughout the country raise awareness about animals in our home and communities and to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals.

Be Kind to Animals Week is now one of the oldest special week-long observations in the United States. In 1952, Be Kind to Animals Week received the official endorsements of the U.S. and Canadian governments. And in honor of the week's 75th anniversary in 1990, Congress passed a resolution declaring May 6-12, 1900, "Be Kind to Animals and National Pet Week."

"Kindness toward animals is a building block of a humane and compassionate society," said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane Association. "We celebrate and encourage that all year long."

In honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, Dallas Animal Services suggests the following ways to show appreciation for the animals around you:

Report any suspected animal abuse or neglect

Commit to adopting your next pet from an animal shelter

Donate to or volunteer at your local animal shelter

Spay or neuter your pets and encourage friends and family to do the same

Spend quality time with your pet

Make sure your pet has an ID tag or microchip

Drive cautiously through areas populated by wild animals

Plants flowers in your yard that will attract butterflies or hummingbirds

Visit americanhumane.org for activities children and adults can do together

Visit dallasanimalservices.org for information about Dallas Animal Services.

Source: Dallas Animal Services