Press Releases

March 14, 2005
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

Wisconsin Humane Society to Work with Project Challenge
Partnership Will Benefit At-Risk Youth, Companion Animals

MILWAUKEE ? The Wisconsin Humane Society, an animal welfare organization whose mission is to build a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness, has partnered with Milwaukee Christian Center to work with at-risk youth. As part of the Center's risk prevention program called, "Project Challenge," a group of five to ten boys and girls ages seven to twelve will come to the Wisconsin Humane Society for their first session on March 15 at 4:30 p.m. to assist with dog grooming, make animal toys and learn about proper care for animals.

Opinion surveys indicate that many people recognize the importance for children to be raised with a dog, cat or other companion animal. One such example is a recent survey conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee indicating that 74 percent of people in the Milwaukee area feel that it's important to grow up with a companion animal.

According to Jill DeGrave, Education Director of the Wisconsin Humane Society, "The evidence that there is a link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans, including child abuse, spousal battery and other types of criminal violence is compelling. In the vast majority of cases, cruelty to animals is just one aspect of a social environment marked by violence. Animal cruelty is just one form of violence and it rarely, if ever, exists in a vacuum. In fact, people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crime. We believe this issue is very important as it affects both people and animals in our community."

"It's imperative to involve at-risk youth early on and teach them how to treat animals humanely and with respect and kindness. Their empathy will go a long way to improve our community," said Victoria Wellens, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Companion animals don't ask for much from their guardians ? just the basics like food, shelter, veterinary care and companionship. These animals offer much more in return to people, including improving our emotional and physical health, teaching us about love and providing us with unconditional love.

These qualities that a companion animal can offer are especially beneficial for a child because they are essential to a child's healthy growth and development. In addition, when a child cares for a dog, cat or small animal, the child is learning how to care for living things and is being taught responsibilities through dog walking, pet grooming and more.

For more information about WHS, please call (414) ANIMALS or visit www.wihumane.org .

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