Reviewed by Natural Farm Pet Team · Updated March 2026
TL;DR: How can we raise awareness about animal cruelty?
You can raise awareness about animal cruelty by reporting suspected abuse, adopting from shelters, volunteering at local rescues, supporting organizations that advocate for animal welfare, and lobbying for stricter anti-cruelty laws. April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, designated by the ASPCA. With an estimated 10 million animals dying from abuse in the U.S. every year, individual action matters more than most people realize.
Right now, somewhere in America, a dog is chained to a post with no food, no water, and no one coming to help. It will not make the news. It will not trend on social media. And unless someone speaks up, nothing will change for that animal.
That is why the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) designated April as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Not just to inform, but to move people to act.
If you're reading this, you already care. The question is what to do with that feeling. This guide covers eight concrete ways to turn awareness into action, from reporting abuse and adopting rescue pets to lobbying for stronger laws and supporting organizations that fight for animals every day.
📖 In This Article:
The Scale of Animal Cruelty in America
Before we talk about solutions, it's important to understand the size of the problem. These numbers put animal cruelty into perspective:
The underreporting is staggering. For every case that makes the news, thousands go unnoticed. That is exactly why awareness campaigns like Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month matter: they give everyday people the tools and motivation to take action.
1. Report Neglect or Cruelty
Instead of turning a blind eye to animal abuse and cruelty, make your position against it known. This doesn't mean putting yourself at physical risk by trying to stop the abuse yourself. It means calling the authorities, filing a report, and following up.
Although most reported cases involve dogs, abuse is a critical issue that affects many animals including racehorses, circus animals, livestock, and animals used in laboratories. One of the first steps is recognizing what animal abuse actually looks like.
If you witness any of these signs, contact your local animal control agency, police department, or call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435. Document what you see with photos and notes if you can do so safely. Filing a report requires the responding agency to investigate. Every report forces an investigation. Silence doesn't.
2. Adopt, Don't Shop
If you or someone you know is considering getting a four-legged friend, make adoption your first option. By staying away from pet shops, you help curb the growth of backyard breeders and the more than 10,000 puppy mills that breed pets in unsanitary, overcrowded conditions.
Adoption also frees up space in foster homes and helps save more lives. In 2024, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters, but only 2.3 million were adopted. That gap represents millions of animals still waiting for a home. The ASPCA has a nationwide database of dogs and cats looking for good homes. Every adoption empties one kennel and opens a door for the next animal in line.
3. Volunteer or Work at Your Local Shelter
Rescue shelters and foster homes depend on volunteers to take care of pets, but they are often short-staffed. You can help by donating money, supplies, or your time. Here are some ways to get involved:
Shelters don't close for holidays, and neither does the need. Even a few hours a month makes a tangible difference for animals that have no one else.
4. Dog Fighting Awareness
Dogfighting is one of the most severe forms of animal abuse. Dogs are raised in isolation, chained in tiny confined spaces, and often administered steroids. Although it is a felony in all 50 states, an estimated 40,000 professional dogfighters still operate in the U.S., exploiting hundreds of thousands of dogs for profit.
Every April, National Dog Fighting Awareness Day encourages animal lovers to raise their voices against this brutal practice. You can participate by sharing educational content on social media, reporting suspicious activity to authorities, and supporting organizations that rescue and rehabilitate dogs recovered from fighting rings. These dogs didn't choose to fight. The least we can do is make sure someone is fighting for them.
5. Lobby for Change
Laws are only as strong as the people who demand them. Anti-cruelty laws vary by state, and even by city or county within the same state. While every state now has felony provisions within its animal cruelty laws, enforcement remains inconsistent.
Attend your city or municipal council meetings, get in touch with your representatives, and advocate for stricter sentencing, mandatory reporting requirements, and funding for local animal control. You can also speak up against the use of animals in entertainment (circuses, bullfighting, rodeos) through social media campaigns and petitions. Laws change when enough people show up and refuse to leave.
6. Support Organizations and Brands That Advocate for Change
One of the most practical ways to make a difference is by putting your money where your values are. Before you buy, ask: does this company treat animals ethically? Do they donate to animal welfare? Are their ingredients sourced responsibly? Transparency matters. If a brand can't answer those questions clearly, your dollars are better spent elsewhere.
At Natural Farm, for example, a portion of every sale supports non-profit organizations with dedicated programs for animal welfare, environmental protection, and community impact. Our treats are made from 100% natural ingredients, sourced from ethically raised livestock, and produced in human-grade FDA- and USDA-approved facilities. We believe that how a company treats animals behind closed doors matters as much as the product on the shelf.
For dog parents who vote with their wallet
Every Natural Farm purchase supports animal welfare programs. That's activism that fits in your dog's bowl.
Once a week, we send our community one exclusive deal on grass-fed treats and chews. Stuff that never hits the regular store.
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On your birthday or any other important day, you can create a fundraising page on the ASPCA website and share it with friends and family. You can also organize a charity walk or run with Team ASPCA to commemorate a beloved pet's memory. The money raised goes directly toward animal protection programs across the country.
8. Go Orange and Spread Awareness Online
Not everyone can volunteer at a shelter or attend a city council meeting. But everyone can open their phone and post. During April, the ASPCA encourages supporters to "Go Orange" by sharing photos of themselves and their pets wearing orange, tagging @ASPCA, and using the hashtag #GoOrange to spread the message.
Beyond the campaign, you can use any social media platform to post about animal cruelty awareness year-round. Share information about local shelters, highlight organizations doing the work, and let your followers know why the cause matters to you.
Awareness doesn't require a donation. It takes 30 seconds. Sometimes a single post reaches the right person at the right time and changes an animal's life. Don't underestimate what your voice is worth.
⚠️ The Domestic Violence Connection: Research shows that 70% of people who committed domestic violence were also found to be animal abusers. If you suspect animal abuse in a household, there may also be human victims. Report both to the appropriate authorities. Animal cruelty is not an isolated issue.
Before we get into the FAQs, we send one exclusive deal a week to our community. Grass-fed treats, limited bundles, things the regular store doesn't carry. Join here if you're into that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can we raise awareness about animal rights?
You can raise awareness by sharing educational content on social media, volunteering at local shelters, adopting rescue animals instead of buying from pet shops, reporting suspected abuse to local authorities, supporting ethical brands that donate to animal welfare, and lobbying your local government for stricter anti-cruelty laws. Even small actions like sharing a post or donating supplies to a shelter make a measurable difference.
What is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month?
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month is observed every April and was established by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). It is designed to increase awareness about animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty, and to encourage individuals and communities to take action to protect animals. During April, the ASPCA runs campaigns, fundraisers, and educational programs nationwide.
How do I report animal abuse?
If you witness animal abuse or neglect, contact your local animal control agency, police department, or call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435. Document the situation with photos, video, or written notes if you can do so safely. Include the date, time, location, and a description of the animals and the conditions. Filing a report requires the responding agency to investigate. Follow up if no action is taken.
What animals are most affected by cruelty?
Dogs are the most commonly reported victims, accounting for roughly 65% of all animal abuse cases. However, farm animals make up an estimated 97% of all animals abused and killed annually when you include the agricultural industry. Cats, horses, exotic pets, and laboratory animals are also heavily affected. The vast majority of cruelty cases go unreported regardless of the species involved.
Is dog fighting still legal anywhere in the United States?
No. Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states. However, enforcement remains a challenge because it is conducted underground and funded by illegal gambling operations. An estimated 40,000 professional dog fighters still operate in the U.S. If you suspect dog fighting in your area, report it to local law enforcement or the ASPCA. Being a spectator at a dogfight is also a criminal offense in most states.
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About Natural Farm
Want to see what goes into making our treats? Watch how Natural Farm brings premium, all-natural dog chews from farm to your front door:
In 2018, after years of searching for high-quality natural dog treats and coming up short, we decided to make them ourselves. Natural Farm was born out of a simple idea: dog chews, treats, and bones should be sustainably sourced, produced in human-grade FDA- and USDA-approved facilities, and lab tested for quality. No exceptions.
How we treat animals says everything about who we are. Natural Farm donates a portion of every sale to non-profit organizations that support animal welfare, environmental protection, and community impact.
Together, let's make a difference this Animal Cruelty Prevention Month and every month after it.