City Celebrates Be Kind To Animals Week, 2006

City Celebrates Be Kind To Animals Week

Date of Record: May 9, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2006

For additional information:
Laurie Ringquist, Director of Animal Care & Control, City of Bloomington, 349-3492
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-3569

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way its animals are treated." (Mahatma Gandhi)

Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that the City of Bloomington will recognize Be Kind To Animals Week, May 7 - 13, 2006, in conjunction with American Humane Association's 90th annual national celebration.

The American Humane Association created Be Kind to Animals Week in 1915 to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals.

"The City of Bloomington is proud to recognize this week as animals play such an important role in our lives," Kruzan said. "We encourage Bloomington residents to take this opportunity to do something special for their own pets and to remember those animals patiently waiting for new homes at our shelter. And remember, one of the kindest things we can do is to spay and neuter our pets so we can combat the significant pet overpopulation we continue to face in our community."

On Saturday, May 13, the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter will be hosting kids' crafts activities from 1-4 p.m. at the Shelter. All kids visiting the shelter that day will receive a Be Kind To Animals goody bag. Also, anyone adopting an animal that day will receive a new leash and collar to bring their new companion animal home in style.

The shelter reminds the public of the following ways in which they can Be Kind To Animals:

• Adopt an animal from your shelter and encourage others to do so!
• Volunteer at the shelter.
• Become a foster parent for shelter animals.
• Donate food, toys, bleach or bedding to the shelter.
• Spay or neuter your companion animals.
• Keep your companion animal current on vaccinations.
• Make sure your companion animals are wearing identification tags and are microchipped.
• Call Animal Care and Control (812-349-3492) if you witness animal cruelty or abuse.
• Create a space for wildlife in your own backyard.

Instilling attitudes of kindness, consideration and respect for all living things is an important part of the mission of the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control. Please join us in being kind to the animals of our community. The shelter is located at 3410 S. Walnut and is open to the public Mon/Wed/Thurs/Sat from noon to 5 p.m. and Tues/Fri from noon to 7 p.m.

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