Animal protection in everyday life - Tips for helping animals

For us, it is a matter close to our hearts to raise awareness of the responsible treatment of animals.
Animals are equal beings who are entitled to protection and care.

On today's World Animal Protection Day we would like to show ten ways in which you can get actively involved in animal protection. Helping can sometimes be very simple and even seemingly small actions can have a big impact.

Volunteer helpers are always welcome in animal shelters, as they usually have more work than they can handle. Please stop by an animal shelter near you and offer help. No matter whether as a dog walker, cat petter, driver or animal keeper.  Anyone who wants to take part will find a meaningful task that suits them here.

Are you ready to fall in love with the faithful button eyes of your future furry friend and face life together from now on?

In animal shelters, countless dogs, cats and other four-legged friends long for a loving home. Don't hesitate and visit your local animal shelter - maybe your four-legged companion is already waiting for you there.

Unfortunately, non-profit organizations such as animal protection associations hardly receive any government funding and they rely on donations to finance their activities. With just 5 euros, a medium-sized dog can be fed for 3 days and not go hungry - isn't that great?

Many animals suffer because of our consumption and our way of life. Unfortunately, many cosmetic and pet food products are subjected to painful testing on animals before they are put on the market.

At tiernahrung.peta.de/#liste you'll find fast and easy, which companys produce their products without animal testing. The PETA logo on packaging is also an indication that you are not supporting animal suffering with your purchase. PETA Deutschland e.V. also confirms the cruelty-free production of bosch Tierfutter's pet food products in its list. Supporting cruelty-free products is a small but very effective way to speak out for animal welfare.

You can also help farm animals such as pigs and chickens by rethinking your consumer behavior. Behind every piece of meat there is a living being that had to suffer and die for our enjoyment. In Germany alone, around 770 million land animals are slaughtered every year. The easiest and most effective way to counteract this is to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. We don't have to kill animals to live a healthy life. If you find it difficult to avoid meat completely, you can try to reduce your consumption step by step. If you buy less meat, you can afford higher quality, regional meat that is kept and fed in a species-appropriate manner.

Unfortunately, real fur is still popular and strongly represented in the fashion industry, even though there is a lot of animal suffering behind it. Foxes, martens and rabbits are bred and skinned in cramped cages. Note that real fur is often not labeled as such. In some cases this can be produced just as cheaply as faux fur and is foisted on buyers without their knowledge.

You should also avoid animal leather, as a large part of the production takes place in countries like Bangladesh, where there are no animal, environmental or child protection laws.

In circuses, aquariums and zoos, animals are exploited for our entertainment. The wild animals are locked in cramped cages against their will just so we can marvel at them. They often have little space and opportunities to retreat, no natural environment and as a result often suffer from behavioral problems.

Did you know that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the sea?

Sea otters are already suffocating in plastic rings and birds are feeding their young with plastic waste. Plastic does not rot, but becomes microplastic and once it is in rivers and the sea, it cannot be removed again. In order to do something good for the animals, the planet and yourself, you should avoid plastic if possible.

A natural garden is a land of milk and honey for insects such as bees, bumblebees and butterflies.

How to turn your garden into a lively animal paradise:

• Plant native wild and garden plants
• Create a garden pond and create valuable habitat for frogs and dragonflies
• Avoid chemical fertilizers and insecticides
• Build a bee or insect hotel
• Leave piles of leaves or dead wood lying around
• Let garden waste rot

When there is a blanket of snow and frost, it is often difficult for blue tits, robins and other garden birds to find food. A clean feeder with fresh nuts, seeds and pieces of fruit is a great help for the animals. With a nesting box you create new living space for birds such as tits or sparrows and thus help them overwinter.

There are an incredible number of ways to stand up for and fight for animals. Acting mindfully in small ways can have a big impact on our wildlife. It is still a very big challenge to raise awareness of the responsible treatment of animals. Educate others about the issue of animal protection and make them aware of it!