10 Ways to Help

1. Support animal-friendly legislation

  • The ISPMB maintains a regular list of important animal-related legislation on our website at: www.ispmb.org/voteforanimals. Our website is a tool that allows you to express your support for animal friendly legislation to the key decision-makers, as well as pass the word along to friends, family and co-workers.

2. Discourage the breeding of animals, which results in abuse, abandonment and misery to millions

  • Each year over 100,000 horses in the US are brutally shipped across borders to Canada and Mexico and slaughtered for their meat. Both the transport and the slaughter methods are horribly inhumane.
  • Mass breeding of horses for racing, showing and other commercial purposes is the leading cause of this overpopulation, which leads to so much suffering.
  • The problem is not limited to horses. Dogs, cats and many other companion animals are killed in mass numbers because of overpopulation.
  • Please consider adopting your next friend from a trusted rescue facility.

3. Do not support the exploitation of animals for entertainment.

  • Circuses, zoos, race-tracks…these are just examples of establishments that cruelly exploit animals for human entertainment. You may not think about it when watching elephants perform in a circus ring, but the stories of cruelties committed against these and other “entertainment” animals to ensure docile behaviour is well documented.

4. Take a humane approach to your diet (your health will benefit too!)

  • Factory farming, contaminated meats and other dangerous and harmful circumstances have become part of our mainstream diet. Choose the foods you put into your body carefully. As a general rule, the more humane the treatment of any animals we may choose to consume, the safer it is to eat. Locally raised meats are best as the chances of horrific experiences during transport are minimized. Also look for labels specifying that the company is dedicated to humane treatment of its animals and refrains from using antibiotics on its livestock.
  • Of course, eating a vegetarian or vegan diet is an option for many people. Even sticking with “mostly” a vegetarian or vegan diet can help ensure that you are not inflicting undue harm on animals in your daily life.

5. Respect the wildlife around you.

  • Depending upon where you live, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, from spiders to snakes to coyotes to mountain lions. Remember that these animals have a place on the land just as we do. They too are struggling to survive in a heavily commercialized world.

6. Take an earth-friendly approach to living.

  • There are many ways to live more gently on the earth. Hybrid cars can greatly improve fuel efficiency (though mileage may vary – always do your research). Many cities have great public transportation systems – get to know yours, or better yet, bicycle or walk to your destination if possible.
  • Re-using and recycling diligently are also very beneficial. If there is anyone working in your home on a regular basis, make sure they are aware of your recycling policies. Your impact does not have to be limited to your home. For example, if you work in an office that does not supply recycle bins to each employee, consider contacting your human resources department and requesting that a recycling program be put into place immediately.

7. Be a thoughtful traveler.

  • Don’t let your vacation contribute to the cruelty, neglect and other forms of abuse suffered by many animals at the hands of tourism. It is easy to be tempted by an elephant ride through the streets of Jerusalem or the annual Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, but these and other animal-driven activities are sadly wrought with suffering. They often involve wild animals that have no place in captivity or surrounded by cars, buses and throngs of humans. The training of these animals is often aggressive and abusive in order to ensure no animal-like behavior around the tourists.
  • On the flip side, an animal sanctuary can be a wonderful destination for families, couples looking for a memorable, romantic time, or even an individual seeking quiet time.

8. Use the power of your dollar.

  • Your dollar speaks loudly. Make it a policy to never use it in support of events, products or industries that exact horrors on animals. Typically, this will include any circus, any zoo or other place that holds wild animals in captivity and any products that make use of animal skins, furs, horns or other parts.
9. Report any suspected cruelty to animals.
  • Animal cruelty is illegal in this country. If you suspect that cruelty is being inflicted on one or more animals, you can report it immediately to your local shelter or law enforcement agency. If you don’t feel you are being heard, keep calling.
  • Signs that an animal is being abused or neglected range from an emaciated, frail appearance, to confinement to a small or in climate area (such as frequent tethering to a tree in any kind of weather), to visible wounds on the body. Abused animals often shy away from their owners as well.
  • Remember that when in doubt, call the authorities. If you are wrong and nothing bad is happening, you will not lose anything.
10. Spread the word!
  • Thank you for your interest in creating a more humane word for our animals!!

Warm Regards,Karen Sussman President, ISPMB

    ISPMB

    PO Box 55
    Lantry, SD 57636-0055
    Phone: 605-964-6866
    Mobile:605-430-2088
    ispmb@lakotanetwork.com

    For South Dakota Residents

    • Donations of hay are needed.
    • Temporary locations are needed to house 10 to 20 horses.
    • Permanent homes needed for the younger animals to qualified adopters.
    • Volunteer help to haul horses and care for animals.
    • Land needed to temporarily house 100 horses.

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