The First Strike Campaign

Through its First Strike Campaign, The HSUS educates the public about the undeniable connection between animal abuse and human violence. The campaign also seeks to encourage professionals engaged in animal protection, law enforcement, human services, and education to work together to reverse the tide of violence in our society. Stacks of animal cruelty cases, research, and shared information illustrate the importance of collaboration between animal protection organizations and other emergency responders. The First Strike Campaign addresses the connection between animal and human violence on a national front while assisting local groups with their own anti-violence efforts.

The First Strike campaign kit (which can be found in our Publications Catalog) includes materials directed to specific audiences. Fact sheets created for animal shelter personnel, law enforcement representatives, human service workers, educators, and parents and neighbors supply answers on why animal cruelty is a concern and what each particular audience can do to intervene and prevent future violence. The packet offers guidance on where to locate existing anti-violence coalitions and how to become active members. It also details how to organize an anti-violence coalition from the ground up. This kit is available for $8.50, including shipping and handling.

The HSUS's First Strike Campaign was launched with a two-day symposium entitled "Cruelty to Animals and Human Violence: Making the Connection," was held on September 9 and 10, 1997, in Washington, D.C. This ground-breaking gathering gave animal care and human welfare experts an opportunity to share research, collaborate with anti-violence coalitions, and discuss intervention, education, and prevention programs. Audiocassettes of individual sessions from this symposium are available from Lifetime Cassettes (http://www.lifetimecassettes.com/assoc/hsus.html).

A special toll-free number has been established for information regarding The HSUS's First Strike Campaign. To order a First Strike packet, or to obtain further information, call toll-free 1-888-213-0956.