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Kids demonstrated just how kind they are to animals by participating in this year’s “Be Kind to Animals” Art Contest in the city.
Recognized for their achievement, 193 students received certificates of appreciation from Mayor Dr. Richard Schneider last Monday night in the South Pasadena library Community Room.
The “Be Kind To Animals” Art Contest is held each year in conjunction with national “Be Kind To Animals Week” and invites students 14 years of age and younger to participate in the contest.
The annual event has been held locally for 30 years and celebrates the role animals play in society while promoting ways for youngsters to treat them humanely. “It teaches kids about their environment and habitat,” explained Erin Fleming, chair of the city’s Animal Commission. “They learn that we must co-exist, whether they are pets or not. It could be bugs or bees.”
Captain Mike Neff from the South Pasadena Police Department also plays a big role in the program. “It’s great to see the kids show their artwork to family members and friends,” he said. “To have a photo with the mayor is pretty special for them. It brings awareness of the importance of being kind to animals.”
The South Pasadena Library and the South Pasadena Animal Commission sponsor the event. The contest theme is kindness to domestic pets and wildlife, as well as wildlife habitat conservation. Art entries may be an original poem, story, drawing or painting, specifically promoting the theme of kindness toward domestic pets or wildlife and/or their habitat.
They may be part of a class project or be an individual artwork.
Earlier this year, entry forms were electronically distributed to SPUSD students in grades K-8 and delivered to local pre-schools.
