What I've Learned So Far

1. List at least 3 things you've learned since you started working on your senior project.


     Since I started my project my research and my service learning at the shelter has taught me a lot. I learned that over 7 billion animals die in the hands of humans every year in the United States. 21st century debates about how humans should treat animals has been traced back to ancient times. Views can be found in the Bible yet animal rights did not actually start until the 17th century with Descartes in 1641. Last, I have learned the entire process a dog, or any other animal such as cats, birds, livestock, reptiles, etc., goes through once they enter a shelter til the day they are adopted, and how the whole adoption process works.

2. Post evidence of this accomplishment. It can be in the form of a picture, video, document, etc.

This is a picture of a velveteen pitbull much like the one I know named Rocko. Velveteen dogs are very difficult to find and just a week ago I helped Rocko get adopted along with 5 other dogs in one day.

1. Define possible terms in your EQ.

• effective: successful in producing a desired or intended result; good enough to accomplish a purpose
• take a stand against: to take action, stand up for others (animals), to adopt a firm position about an issue.
• animal cruelty: Cruelty to animals is the infliction of suffering or harm upon animals, other than humans, for purposes other than self-defense. It can be harm for specific gain, such as killing animals for food or fur use.

2. So far based on your research, what are possible answers to your EQ?

• Investigate: investigate anyone who you feel might be exploiting or mistreating animals
• Educate: educate yourself and others. examples: join and organization, wear t-shirts with a message, etc.
• Litigate: don't be afraid to go to court to get what you want. Many victories for animals have resulted from lawsuits
• Legislate: communicate with elected officials
• Be a consumer advocate

3. What has been your most important printed source and why?

     My most important source has to be "Animal Rights: A Beginner's Guide." It's a handbook of issues, organizations, actions, and resources. It answers everything from types of cruelty, to ways you can help, and lists of animal rights organizations you can become a part of.

Topic Choice

What is your topic?
    Animal Cruelty

Why did you choose this topic?
     I chose this topic because ever since I was little I always had a passion to help and care for animals, and since I volunteer at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter, what would be better than to do a project that I have a passion for, can help make a huge difference and inform others about all at the same time.

What do you hope to accomplish after studying this topic all year?
     I hope to accomplish a better understanding of how our animal rights laws work, about animal cruelty cases that are unknown to most people, and to learn so many different ways a person can help, even in the smallest ways, to help fight against this cruel act and how I myself can become more apart of it.

Intro to Blog

This is the introduction to my senior project.