[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 55 (Tuesday, May 9, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S4209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I am pleased to announce that this week, 
May 7 to 13, 2006, has been designated by the American Humane 
Association as the 92nd Be Kind to Animals Week. The American Humane 
Association, which is headquartered in Englewood, CO, was founded in 
1877 and is the oldest national organization dedicated to the mission 
of preventing cruelty to animals, as well as to children. Through this 
work, American Humane has helped America shed light on the nature and 
origins of cruelty and through this annual observance reminds us that 
the practice of kindness can both heal hurt and yield constructive 
reform.
  When, in 1915, American Humane launched the Nation's first national 
week for animals, its purpose was simple: ``to direct the attention of 
the public to the importance of giving proper care and attention to 
animals.'' This message resonated powerfully with Americans and quickly 
evolved into a national public education campaign with a broader 
mission: promoting the teaching of humane education in our schools; 
promoting the good works of animal shelters; and helping Americans 
understand the unique bond between humans and animals.
  Be Kind to Animals Week is the oldest event of its kind. Each year it 
reminds us how animals enrich our lives through their companionship, 
friendship and love. Over the last 91 years, a central theme of this 
annual event has been the importance of teaching the principles of 
kindness and compassion to children. Humane groups spend much of their 
time reacting to mistreatment of animals as it occurs. American Humane 
believes that, if we share our humane values with our children, these 
problems can be prevented and our society made safer and kinder.
  American Humane's Be Kind to Animals Week is as much a lifelong 
attitude as it is a weeklong event. It is about animal shelters, 
veterinarians, humane educators, animal control professionals, and the 
faith community promoting discussion and reflection about kindness to 
animals, to individuals, within families and perhaps most important, 
within communities. But Be Kind to Animals Week isn't just about 
animals. It is also about children and those who care for and about 
them.
  As a veterinarian, I have seen firsthand how important animals are to 
people. When a family adopts a pet, it becomes one of them. Usually, 
when people bring an animal to a veterinarian, it is because there is 
something wrong with the animal. It was always obvious to me the love 
that people had for their animals. The illness of a pet can cause great 
sorrow, but the healing of a pet brings great joy. Many studies have 
shown the increased happiness and healing powers of spending time with 
a pet.
  During Be Kind to Animals Week, we should all keep in mind a simple 
but powerful message. The week should serve as a reminder that as 
humans, we need to be ever more compassionate about the animals in our 
world, whether they are companion pets, service animals such as seeing-
eye dogs, zoo critters, livestock, or nature's wildlife. It is a 
reminder that the bond between humans and animals is a vital one and is 
capable of bringing joy and healing to people of all ages. It is also a 
reminder to be more kind and compassionate to our fellow man. We co-
exist in this world--human to human and human to animal--and those 
bonds must be maintained, they must be kept strong.

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