We need not be animal lovers to be kind towards the furry companions. But it is essential to develop a compassion to our fellow inhabitants. A Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated every year in the first week of May. The idea is to show compassion towards all the animals and not just those we pet. Animals are really less fortunate when it comes to expressing their problems. The least we can do is to understand and not create trouble for them. The Be Kind to Animals Week is one of the oldest commemorative celebrations in U.S. history. It started since the year of 1915. The World War I saw death of about 10 million horses which were used in the war across Europe. Since then it has celebrated for over 100 years and people join in, to volunteer and advocate in creating a better world for all the animals. This week has also been one of the most successful humane education campaigns ever.

On this Be Kind to Animals Week 2018, we tell you some ways in which you can develop kindness and compassion towards the animals:

Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue houses: One of the best ways to understand how and what help animals need is to pay a visit to an animal rescue or a shelter house. You can learn the troubles and problems the rescued animals are going through and give a helping hand. There are also specific zoos which run volunteering programs. You can join in and help in taking care of the animals.

Don't buy, but adopt: If you are looking to take a pet then opt for adoption rather than shelling out a lot of money for buying a pet. Animals kept for adoption are generally those who have been neglected or rescued from bad caretakers. Those are the ones who need extra care and love.

Report animal abuse: If you know someone who has not been treating their pets well or just a stray in general, please report to someone who will take action. There are several organisations which are working for animal benefits and conduct rescue operations. Do try and stop people, if they continue, report against them. Children usually find it fun to tease and pelt stones at animals for no reason. Stop them and make them understand why they should not do it.

Help, just basic help does the trick: Just be helpful to strays instead of shooing them away. If you have stray cats and dogs around, keep a bowl of water nearby and keep refilling it. Especially during the summers, strays may not get water. Offer biscuits and a little food if you can.

Save the environment: We humans are majorly responsible for causing damage to the habitat of the wild animals. We need to realise that the planet is not only for humans. While animals cannot do much to save, we humans definitely can and should take action which affects the animal habitat.

The basic idea to imbibe kindness towards our fellow four-legged companions is important. Pet-owners at all times take care and create comfort for their pets. But several other animal species need just the same amount of attention. If not directly, you could even donate to some genuine NGOs who are working for the animal causes. The idea of compassion needs to be instilled in each and everyone. If you are compassionate towards animals, try and instil it among the children and neighbours. We need to develop a sort of respect towards the animal kingdom. On this Be Kind to Animals Week, pledge about making it a better world for animals in whatever little way you can.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 05, 2018 01:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).