Kids Spring Into Action to Help an Injured Bird

Three cool Umina kids, Matisse Lehmann, Jasmine Duxbury and Calum Lehmann, have each received a Hero for Animals Award from PETA for saving a duck who had apparently been injured by an arrow. While playing near a creek, the youngsters found an arrow and then a bleeding duck. They wrapped her in a towel, and she was rushed to a local veterinarian’s office, where the duck, now named Annissa, is expected to make a full recovery.

These three children offer a shining example of how taking action makes a real difference. Teaching kids empathy can help them grow into more respectful, compassionate and productive adults. Take older children to an animal shelter and ask whether they can help clean cages and play with the puppies. Children who are too young to volunteer can still help by having a lemonade stand fundraiser or holding a drive to collect supplies such as food and cat litter.

Organise a litter patrol to clean up fishing line and tackle (watch out for hooks) left along a local stream or lake so that animals don’t become entangled in them. And tell children always to speak up whenever they see cruelty or neglect to animals – tell a responsible adult so that he or she can then call the local RSPCA.

For many more ideas about what kids can do to help animals during their everyday lives, read 50 Awesome Ways Kids Can Help Animals: Fun and Easy Ways to Be a Kind Kid by Ingrid E Newkirk.

It’s never too early – or too late – to help your children become responsible, compassionate citizens.

Posted by Claire Fryer