Activities to help you learn more about animal welfare

Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)

Many neglected animals in Hong Kong and around the world need love and attention. Some organisations help advocate for animal rights. In Hong Kong, we have the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The SPCA takes care of abandoned animals and puts them up for adoption. They also spay or neuter animals, train them, and do so much more.

This year, the SPCA opened a new, bigger location in Tsing Yi. Now, residents of the New Territories have easier access to a pet hospital. Many cases of animal abuse and abandonment happen in the New Territories. It is why the SPCA chose Tsing Yi as the location of their new building.

The SPCA often uses the phrase “adopt, don’t shop.” They encourage people to adopt animals from shelters rather than promote the business of animal breeding. Many Hongkongers shop for purebred dogs. This leaves mongrels – mixed-breed dogs – neglected and waiting for a home.

We must educate ourselves about animal welfare to make better decisions. We should also adopt animals instead of buying them at pet stores.

Sips for strays

Hot days can be very tough for stray animals. Photo: Shutterstock

Materials

• metal or plastic bowls

• jug of water

Instructions

1. In the hot summer months, many stray animals might need a refreshing drink of water. If you read in the news that a heatwave is coming, that might be the best time to share water with strays.

2. Pack a few metal or plastic bowls and fill a jug with water. Head outside with an adult. Find some spots underneath benches or near parks that stray animals might visit. Place the bowl where it won’t be in people’s way, and fill it with water.

3. Keep track of where you’ve left the bowls so you can collect them later. You can also leave them behind and refill them with more water the next day.

Making toys for animal shelters

Here’s how to make a cat toy that you can donate to an animal shelter! Photo: Shutterstock

Materials

• a few sticks that are not too flimsy

• glue gun

• curled ribbon

• craft feathers

Instructions

1. There are lots of animals living in shelters who yearn for love and attention. With this activity, you will make a cat toy wand. First, find some sticks outside that are not too big but are also somewhat sturdy.

2. Wash the sticks in the sink to remove the dirt and germs.

3. Take a stick that you have collected. Have a parent use the hot glue gun to glue the curly ribbon to the tip of the stick.

4. Now take the feathers and, again, with the help of a parent, glue some feathers to the end of the ribbon.

5. Repeat this with the rest of the sticks. Once the glue has completely dried, donate these toys to an animal shelter.