Animal Protection Educational Guide

Content Universal Declaration of Animal Rights – page 1 Universal Declaration of Animal Rights – page 2 Dogs: brushing, bath Dogs: ears and nails, dis-infestation, vaccination Cats: brushing, bath, dis-infestation Cats: vaccination Pet therapy Benefits of pet-therapy Myths about cats and dogs SOS abandoned stray and mistreated dogs

Universal Declaration of Animal Rights Preamble: Considering that Life is one, all living beings having a common origin and having diversified in the course of the evolution of the species, - Considering that all living beings possess natural rights, and that any animal with a nervous system has specific rights, Considering that the contempt for, and even the simple ignorance of, these natural rights, cause serious damage to Nature and lead men to commit crimes against animals, Considering that the coexistence of species implies a recognition by the human species of the right of other animal species to live, Considering that the respect of animals by humans is inseparable from the respect of men for each other, It is hereby proclaimed that: Article 1. All animals have equal rights to exist within the context of biological equilibrium. This equality of rights does not overshadow the diversity of species and of individuals. Article 2. All animal life has the right to be respected. Article 3. 1°- Animals must not be subjected to bad treatments or to cruel acts. 2°- If it is necessary to kill an animal, it must be instantaneous, painless and cause no apprehension. 3°- A dead animal must be treated with decency. Article 4. 1°- Wild animals have the right to live and to reproduce in freedom in their own natural environment. 2°- The prolonged deprivation of the freedom of wild animals, hunting and fishing practised as a pastime, as well as any use of wild animals for reasons that are not vital, are contrary to this fundamental right. cuprins

Universal Declaration of Animal Rights Article 5. 1°- Any animal which is dependent on man has the right to proper sustenance and care. 2°- It must under no circumstances be abandoned or killed unjustifiably. 3°- All forms of breeding and uses of the animal must respect the physiology and behaviour specific to the species. 4°- Exhibitions, shows and films involving animals must also respect their dignity and must not include any violence whatsoever. Article 6. 1°- Experiments on animals entailing physical or psychological suffering violate the rights of animals. 2°-Replacement methods must be developed and systematically implemented. Article 7. Any act unnecessary involving the death of an animal, and any decision leading to such an act, constitute a crime against life. Article 8. 1°- Any act compromising the survival of a wild species and any decision leading to such an act are tantamount to genocide, that is to say, a crime against the species. 2°- The massacre of wild animals, and the pollution and destruction of biotopes are acts of genocide. Article 9. 1°- The specific legal status of animals and their rights must be recognised by law. 2°- The protection and safety of animals must be represented at the level of Governmental organizations. Article 10. Educational and schooling authorities must ensure that citizens learn from childhood to observe, understand and respect animals. The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was solemnly proclaimed in Paris on 15 October 1978 at the UNESCO headquarters. cuprins

Dogs Brushing The regular brushing of a dog has the role to remove its lifeless hair, dust and other fur particles. Moreover it favors the oxygenation of the capillary vessels in the skin and the growth of healthier hair is stimulated. Bath A correct bath removes the dirt and pests, it oxygenates skin and hair, offers a better comfort and guarantees a better family hygiene. Recommendations: the water should be neither too hot, nor too cold the shampoo and other hygiene products should be strictly addressed to animals and must not be used in excess; after the bath, the dog should be wrapped in a towel (in winter it could be kept in a little blanket until its hair is completely dry); the dog's pads and belly must be kept clean every time it is taken outside the house. cuprins

Dogs Ears and nails Ear hygiene is extremely important; ears must be cleaned weekly and excessive hair must be cut to avoid infections. Dirty ears must be cleaned softly with a wet towel; the inner side of the ears must be cleaned regularly with a table napkin or a piece of soft cloth. Nails must be cut regularly especially if your pet is very active; there are specialized shops where you find special scissors. Dis-infestation The first dis-infestation must be done when the pet is 3 weeks old; it should be repeated at the age of 5 weeks. Another dis-infestation is necessary before every vaccination and 2-4 times yearly at mature age only if it is recommended and supervised by the veterinarian. Vaccination The vaccination is done, mainly, every 14 days starting with the age of 6 weeks; it must be preceded by dis-infestation. cuprins

Cats Brushing It is necessary that your cat get acquainted with its fur brushing; you should brush its fur when it is 3 months old. Bath Cats need to have a bath every 3 months unless their fur gets dirty accidentally. During the bath the cat head must be protected. After the bath it must be kept in a towel before drying it with a piece of cloth. For a perfect drying, use a hair dryer. Dis -infestation Kitten dis-infestation should be done starting with the age of 5 weeks; it should be repeated every 14 days, according to the vet`s recommendations. Mature cats must be dis-infested every 3-5 months. cuprins

Cats Vaccination Vaccination starts at the age of 8 weeks with a polyvalent vaccine after the patient was dis-infested when he was 6,then 7weeks old. The first vaccination period ends at the age of 12 weeks with a polyvalent+ rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine must be repeated every year during the whole patient`s life; each vaccination must be accompanied by 2 or 3 annual dis- infestations. To reduce the risk of catching an infectious disease, kittens and puppies should be kept inside apartments/houses until the first vaccination period is over ( plus days after the last vaccination). cuprins

Pet therapy Animal-assisted therapy or pet therapy represents the use of animals ( cats, dogs,horses, monkeys), birds (parrots, other exotic birds ), fish, dolphins- for therapeutic purposes.Pets can have an active role in improving human health, especially genetic diseases, and reducing stress or blood pressure.Animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention. cuprins

Benefits of pet-therapy Studies report that children who live in homes in which a pet is considered a member of the family are more empathetic than children in homes without pets. Individuals who have mental illnesses or low self - esteem are helped by animals to focus on their environment. The presence of an animal provides a much needed entertainment to those watching it and it also encourages socialization. In depressing or institutional situations the presence of animals helps to brighten the atmosphere, increasing amusement, laughter and play. A lot of people are able to relax when animals are present. Tests have shown that the decrease in heart rate and blood pressure can be significant. Even watching fish swim in an aquarium can be very calming. Some people feel spiritual fulfillment when they are with their pets. cuprins

Myths about cats and dogs Cats must drink milk every day False: Cats don't need to drink milk every day. It is true they like milk very much but if it is drunk daily it can have bad effects upon their health. If a cat purrs it is certainly happy False: A cat doesn't purr only when it is content; it also purrs when it is in pain. Dogs' vision is white and black False:Dogs can distinguish more colours although their sight is different from ours. Dogs eat grass because they are sick Partially true: dogs and cats often eat grass if they have indigestion, the grass causes them to vomit and then they feel better. One year of a dog's life is equal to 7 years of a human's life False: Aging is as individual for dogs as it is for people. Large dogs have a significantly shorter life span than small dogs. Cats' whiskers help them keep their balance False: Whiskers help the cat feel its way around. Whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest directional change. cuprins

Sos abandoned, stray and mistreated animals We all need to recognize what is happening around us when it comes to animal cruelty. Write a letter, focus your energy, light a candle, make an effort in some way. As a worldwide group that has joined together online to share their lives, we have the power to make a difference. But what is worse is that cruelty towards animals happens everyday all around the World. Animal Cruelty must not be ignored. Animals have feelings too! This MUST stop! Tell your friends, fight for animal rights and put an end to this insanity. We as human beings must do something! Anything is better than nothing! Thank you for your support. Write a letter to the government and express your views. Don't forget to light a candle. Visit these links to educate yourself or to donate your time and dime These people have the power to change laws and make stiffer penalties for anyone who is cruel to animals. cuprins