Be A Voice for Animals

Sometimes kids think adults don't listen to them or that kids' opinions don't count, but that is not true. You can make a huge difference in the lives of animals, and anything else that is important to you, by simply speaking up. Let your voice be heard!

Writing a letter or email to the editor of your local newspaper is a great way to get started. You can also write a letter or email to city and state government officials to express your opinion about laws that affect animals. Just because you're not 18 doesn't mean you can't sway the vote of your parents! You can find out whom to reach by looking at www.vote-smart.org.

Lastly, never forget how much impact even a simple phone call can make. All you have to do is say what you think and ask the person to consider your opinion. If you are nervous about calling, you can write a script of what you want to say ahead of time.

Tips for letters, emails and phone scripts:

• Always tell your parents who you are writing, emailing or calling ahead of time
• Be polite and respectful
• Include your name, age and the city where you live
• Tell why you are writing, emailing or calling. For example, if you are writing about an article, a law, or something you saw, then include that information.
• Stick to one or two main points
• Use facts and what you have seen to back-up your points
• Keep it short
• Always say thank you

Here is a pretend letter to the editor as an example:

Dear Editor,

I’m writing about the article, “Pigeon Problems in the City Park” which was published in the city paper on July 20, 2006. The article said that the pigeons are going to be removed from the park because they bother people at the picnic tables and poop on the benches. My family goes to that park a lot and every time I see people feeding the birds. PAWSkids.org that feeding birds is bad for their health and can cause them to become a nuisance. If people stop feeding the pigeons in the City Park then they will not bother people anymore. The city could post signs and talk to people who are feeding the birds to get them to stop. This will be a better solution for the people and the birds.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

Sincerely,

Riley Raccoon
Age 9
Lynnwood, Washington
July 22, 2006

Here is a pretend phone script as an example:

Hello Mayor,

I am leaving you this message on July 22, 2006. My name is Riley Raccoon. I am nine years old and I live in Lynnwood, Washington. I am concerned about the dogs on chains and in small pens that I see in our community.

Many chained or penned dogs are not cared for responsibly. They often do not have enough food, water, shelter or human contact. This can make the dogs unhappy and cause them to become sick or even die.

Chained dogs who have not had enough contact with people can be dangerous, especially to kids like me. PAWSkids.org says that the Center for Disease Control reports that each year 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs. About 70% of those people are under 15 years old.

Lastly, research also shows that people who Abuse animals are more likely to abuse kids and commit other violent crimes.

Many communities around the country are putting limits on chaining dogs. I urge you to educate our community about this issue and to make laws that will protect the people and animals that live here.

Please respond to my call by phone or email as soon as possible. My phone number is 425.787.2500 and my email address is This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Thank you very much.