Cape Town, 28 October 2024 – In celebration of World Kindness Day on 13 November, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling on individuals to embrace kindness not just towards one another but towards all living beings, including animals and the environment. The organisation offers practical recommendations for leading a kinder, more compassionate lifestyle.

“World Kindness Day is an opportunity to reflect on how our actions can make a difference in the lives of animals, people, and the planet,” says Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa. “Living kinder is about making conscious choices that align with compassion, from the food we eat to the products we buy and the way we treat animals.”

FOUR PAWS’ Tips to #LiveKinder:

• Choose plant-based foods: One of the most impactful ways to live kinder is by choosing plant-based meals. “Reducing or eliminating animal products from your diet can significantly lessen the demand for industrial farming, which is one of the leading causes of animal suffering and environmental degradation,” explains Miles. “By opting for plant-based alternatives, you are not only being kinder to animals but also contributing to a more sustainable planet.”
• Adopt, don’t shop: FOUR PAWS advocates for adopting pets from shelters rather than buying from breeders. “By adopting, you give a home to an animal in need and help reduce the demand for unethical breeding practices,” says Miles. “This simple act of kindness can save lives.”
• Support ethical fashion: Many animals suffer in the name of fashion. FOUR PAWS encourages consumers to opt for cruelty-free clothing and accessories. “From fur to wool, many animals endure cruel conditions, all for the sake of fashion. By choosing ethical and sustainable alternatives, we can reduce the exploitation of animals in the industry,” Miles adds.
• Be mindful of animal entertainment: FOUR PAWS urges people to avoid activities that exploit animals, such as visiting zoos, circuses, or venues that offer elephant rides or big cat interactions. “Wild animals belong in the wild, not in entertainment venues,” says Miles. “When traveling or seeking entertainment, choose experiences that do not involve animal cruelty.”
• Volunteer and advocate: Kindness can extend to advocating for those without a voice. “Volunteering at an animal shelter or supporting campaigns that fight against animal cruelty can have a far-reaching impact,” says Miles. “Even small actions like downloading our Advocacy Guide 2024 – An Animal Welfare Guide for a Kinder world, signing petitions or raising awareness on social media can help create a kinder world for animals.”

FOUR PAWS encourages everyone to take steps, no matter how small, to live a more compassionate life. “Every kind act, no matter how small, has the potential to inspire greater change,” Miles concludes. “Together, we can build a world where kindness to animals, people, and the environment is at the forefront of our choices.”

For more information on how to #LiveKinder visit: www.four-paws.org.za

/ENDS