"Teed Off" Over Golf Course
Nine-year-old Jimmy McManus gave his town of Weymouth, Massachusetts, a crash course in compassion when he heard about plans to turn 130 acres of forest bursting with wildlife into a "desert" of grass. Jimmy told his mayor that these plans were way off course. "I don't really care if they build a golf course," Jimmy told a newspaper reporter, "I just think they should keep the animals and the trees."
What about you? Do you speak up when you know something is wrong?
Class Act
Fifth and sixth graders in the Animal Club at Radcliffe Elementary School in Nutley, New Jersey, gave new meaning to the words "student government" when they convinced the mayor to create and pass a "Care of Animals" ordinance. Thanks to the students' law, dogs can't be stuck outside for more than eight hours a day, and they have to be given warm doghouses with straw or shavings, healthy food, and lots of clean water. The new law also bans chains shorter than 15 feet and gory animal sacrifices. Violators can face up to $5,000 and 90 days in jail—not to mention the wrath of a bunch of determined fifth and sixth graders!
What about you? Have you asked your city council to improve animal-care standards?
Harry Tells His School to "Have a Heart!"
When 9-year-old Harry Grimm heard that his school was raising money for the American Heart Association, a charity that funds animal experiments, he told his teacher that he didn't want to raise money to hurt animals. Instead, Harry collected money for PETA!
What about you? Have you taught your school about cruelty-free charities?
Party Favor for Animals
For 12-year-old Tehila Wise's bat-mitzvah, she asked her guests to hold the kitschy keepsakes and make donations to Cincinnati-based Animal Rights Community (ARC) instead. Her gift gave the ARC the funds needed to create a book, Care of Companion Animals, which the group distributed for free throughout the city.
What about you? Could your next bash give animals a reason to celebrate?
