Animal advocacy organizations exist to support the rights of domestic animals and wildlife around the globe. These groups are devoted to raising public awareness about how human expansion and environmental issues threaten the survival of species. Many animal advocacy groups are nonprofit, and thus depend on donations from citizens in order to fund their mission.
Founded in 1986, Farm Sanctuary is an organization with a mission of making life better for livestock. The sanctuary seeks to end cruelty to farm animals and to that end, sponsors educational campaigns, events such as an annual “Walk for Farm Animals,” and petitions for laws that would end abusive practices such as tail docking and debeaking, especially on factory farms.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, works to help rescue domestic pets and livestock that are homeless or living in unsafe conditions. The ASPCA’s website contains information on pet care, adoption, and updates on rescued animals. Supporters of the ASPCA’s mission can make donations on the society’s website.
The World Wildlife Fund, or WWF, is a leading advocacy group with respect to wildlife and the environment. The WWF educates the public about how environmental issues impact animal survival, and supporters can register for the group’s Conservation Action Network. Members of the network can sign online petitions that are forwarded to lawmakers; petitions address issues such as climate change, overfishing and animal welfare.
The Humane Society of the United States is the largest animal protection group in the country. The society educates people about issues that affect animals, such as dogfighting, puppy mills and the slaughter of exotic animals for their meat and skins. The Humane Society operates a number of shelters and clinics across the U.S., where the public can adopt a pet or bring a pet in for veterinary care.