AN ANIMAL charity is calling on residents to carry out an act of kindness in honour of Sir David Attenborough.
To celebrate the broadcaster’s 100th birthday the RSPCA Summer of Kindness campaign urges people to take on seven kind acts for animals.
The acts include planting for pollinators, making homemade pet treats, feeding hedgehogs and organising a litter pick.
The RSPCA says these small gestures not only help wildlife but also bring communities together.
The charity says the summer months can be a tough time for animals – including wildlife and it often receives more reports of deliberate cruelty to both wildlife and pets than at any other time.
Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the RSPCA said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to fall in love with animals and he has been a lifelong advocate for wildlife. His passion, care and voice for conservation has encouraged millions of people – including many across the RSPCA – to dedicate their lives to helping animals.
“As Sir David celebrates this milestone birthday, we’re also celebrating his legacy in changing the way the world sees wildlife, and the importance of animal welfare. By taking on seven kind acts for animals as part of our Summer of Kindness, people can give David the best birthday present – by helping animals of every kind, and helping us build a better world for every animal.”
The seven acts of kindness are:
- Plant for pollinatorsHelp bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects by creating a space full of nectar-rich flowers for them to feast on.
Choose a variety of flowers that bloom in different seasons, such as lavender, sunflowers and wildflowers. Plant in garden beds in a sunny area, or if you don’t have any outdoor space, try pots or window boxes. Avoid using pesticides, as these can harm insects.
- Make your own pet treatsHomemade pet treats are a fun and healthy way to reward your pet while knowing exactly what ingredients are included.
For dogs, you could mix mashed banana, oats and peanut butter (xylitol-free), roll into small balls or fun doggy-themed shapes and bake until firm. For cats, try small baked tuna or salmon bites.
Store treats in an airtight container and give them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Feed the hedgehogsPlace shallow dishes of meaty cat or dog food, specialist hedgehog food, or dry cat biscuits, along with fresh water in a quiet, sheltered part of the garden, ideally near hedges or bushes. You can also make hedgehog-friendly gaps in your fencing for the critters to come into your garden.
Never give hedgehogs bread or milk, as these can make them ill. Clean bowls regularly to keep the feeding area hygienic.
- Make a bee drinking stationFill a shallow dish, tray or plant saucer with water and add stones, pebbles or marbles so the bees have somewhere safe to land. Place it near flowers in a sunny, sheltered spot. Top it up regularly and clean it often to keep the water fresh.
- Support your pet in hot weatherKind acts for your pets in the hot weather include walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower – check pavements with your hand before walking to make sure they are not too hot.
Always provide fresh drinking water and shaded areas indoors or outdoors.
- Organise a litter pick Litter can be a real hazard for wildlife, and a litter pick is a great way to improve your local area and protect wild animals from harmful waste.
- Make a rescue boxUse a sturdy cardboard box with air holes, and line it with a towel or blanket. Keep it in the back of your car or in the shed alongside a pair of gardening gloves for handling the animals, and it’s ready to go whenever you need it.
