[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of ``Be 
Kind to Animals Week.'' This week is a time to draw attention to how 
important animals are to our lives and to make sure they receive the 
treatment and protection they deserve.
  The American Humane Association was founded in 1877 with a goal to 
unite a few groups to give a national voice to those who could not 
speak for themselves: animals. The Association established Be Kind to 
Animals Week in 1915, the first national week specifically for animals 
and now the oldest week of its kind in existence in this country.
  This is the 85th year ``Be Kind to Animals Week'' will be celebrated. 
The leader of the American Humane Association in 1915 was Dr. William 
O. Stillman, who foresaw this week continuing on ``as annual events to 
stimulate and revive human thought.''
  The three main goals of the first Be Kind to Animals Week were to 
encourage the clergy to spread the message about kindness to animals by 
observing Humane Sunday, to visit schools and teach children the 
message of being humane, and to publicize the good works of our 
nation's humane societies. These noble goals continue on today through 
the American Humane Association.
  Mr. President, I would like to recognize the many Humane Societies in 
my home state of Minnesota. These organizations are on the front lines 
of standing up for and protecting animals across Minnesota. By visiting 
a local animal shelter, I know many citizens have bettered not only the 
lives of countless animals through adoption, but surely their own lives 
in the process. The staffs and volunteers of Minnesota Humane Societies 
continue to make this possible for all citizens--and their efforts to 
teach people the importance of spay-neuter programs have also been 
extremely helpful.
  Animals certainly have a tremendous effect on our lives. Domesticated 
animals are considered family members to many of us. Farm animals 
provide nourishment to families here at home and around the world. And 
wild animals provide a balance to our overall ecosystem.
  I am sure Dr. Stillman would be extremely pleased to see his plan of 
having an annual week to remember the important role of animals 
continuing on in its 85th year. I want to urge everyone to use this 
week to take a minute and reflect on what animals mean to our lives, 
and how we can continue to give animals the protection and care they 
deserve every day.

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