Local students make big impact on animal welfare

The Humane Society of Yuma revitalized their BEHUMANE program this school year.

The education outreach program had been dormant for a few years and was brought back to life in 2017, to four local elementary schools.

The program invests in animal welfare knowledge and has reached over 1,800 students at Alice Byrne Elementary, Gowan Science Academy, H L Suverkrup Elementary and Pueblo Elementary.

The Humane Society of Yuma staff and volunteers visited every classroom to teach students about their local animal shelter and animal services, responsible pet ownership and pet safety.

Not only did the students learn about animal welfare and the services the Humane Society of Yuma provides to the community, but they also became advocates for the homeless pets by fundraising over $18,000 for the homeless pets of Yuma.

“The BEHUMANE program means a lot to the organization and we know that if we instill humane principals in our students now, we can prevent animal abuse, improve the condition of Yuma’s pet population and hopefully treat each other with compassion as well” said Annette Lagunas, Executive Director

The program is a long-term investment for the community to address pet-overpopulation and animal cruelty.