Unfortunately, the world is not a very peaceful or safe place for many individuals. From conflict to abuse to exploitation, there is so much cruelty inflicted on both humans and animals. While this can get disheartening and difficult to hear about, petitions are a great way to use your voice for good. Just by signing one, you are a part of helping those who are not treated fairly. You can even share them with your friends and acquaintances to increase your impact.

Through petitions, we can reach those in power and demand justice for others. They are valuable tools for making positive changes in the world. If you are looking for a way to help animals and humans, here are 10 petitions you should sign this week, including Save Animals From Abusive Farm, Free World’s Loneliest Orca, and Ban Bullfighting in France.

We want to thank you for being the change you wish to see in the world and giving a voice to the voiceless.

1. Save 50 Animals From Abusive Farm

Currently, there are over 50 animals languishing on a farm in Kansas with access to food, water, or veterinary care. In the beginning of June 2021, the animals’ owner was charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty after authorities found the animals suffering in the heat, surrounded by the dead and decomposing bodies of other animals. The ones who were still alive were emaciated, dehydrated, starving, and afflicted with a multitude of painful medical conditions. They need help now and an animal welfare organization based in California has even requested to take possession of these animals. Just because the owner’s hearing keeps getting pushed back, doesn’t mean that these animals should continue to suffer. Sign this petition to implore the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department to allow rescuers to give these animals the care they deserve, but have never been given.

2. Free World’s Loneliest Orca

Kiska is a killer whale who has lived without companions for over a decade at Marineland, a Canadian aquarium in Niagara Falls. She was captured in Iceland when she was only 3 years old, and has since endured the deaths of all of her young offspring in captivity. Recently, Phil Demers, a former Marineland trainer-turned-whistleblower, posted a video of Kiska floating lifelessly in her pool. The footage is heartbreaking and truly demonstrates how awful life in captivity is for animals. The video was released after an unknown number of whale deaths at the aquarium as well as a citation from the Animal Welfare Services for poor water quality in many of the aquarium’s tanks. Sign this petition to tell Marineland to take action to move Kiska to an appropriate, attraction-free home with Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia!

3. Ban Bullfighting in France

Recently, the Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA) took a stand against bullfighting in court. While the judges agreed that bullfighting is unfair to the animals as it causes them “significant suffering,” they decided it can continue because they care more about preserving the “local tradition.” Fortunately, some French government officials are working to remove bullfighting from the protected category of “traditional” events. So far, though, this bill is not scheduled for a vote. “Entertainment” and “tradition” are not sufficient reasons to permit the suffering of a sentient being – ever. Besides, a majority of the public doesn’t even Support the tradition. Sign this petition to ban all bullfighting in the country of France!

4. Pass the Animal Welfare (Sentient) Bill That Would Ban Boiling Crustaceans Alive

It is still common practice in the UK — and around the world — to boil lobsters and other crustaceans alive for food. These poor animals endure a long, painful death that is completely unnecessary and cruel. Fortunately, the UK government is considering banning the practice of boiling lobsters alive. Sign this petition to demand that British lawmakers actually pass the Animal Welfare (Sentient) Bill that would give crustaceans and mollusks like lobsters actual rights!

5. Provide Housing For People Who Are Evicted During Pandemic

Excluding the billionaires of the world who have selfishly hoarded and increased their wealth over the past year, the pandemic has caused extreme financial hardships for most individuals. People have lost their jobs, businesses, houses, food security, and more. Plus, when the eviction moratorium ends and mass evictions begin, things are going to get a lot worse. There’s already a homelessness crisis in the US. Housing is a human right and everyone deserves access to shelter no matter what their situation is. The eviction moratorium has been extended as the pandemic has continued, but when it ends, the federal government needs to make sure to help people who are struggling. It’s possible to house every single unhoused person in this country. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it immediately increases their chances of employment, securing credit, receiving training or education, and one day being able to go through the avenues of securing housing that many of us take for granted. Sign this petition to demand that Congress immediately route funding to provide housing for already and soon to be displaced folks!

6. Pass the PRO Act!

Wages have not increased at the same rate as the cost of living has over the last few decades. Thus, people are struggling to afford the most basic needs in life. Unions are vital to securing fair compensation and benefits for workers. However, only a small percentage of workers are in a union because many workplaces are anti-union. Fortunately, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, would protect and empower the right to union membership and democratized workplaces. Unions are vital to protecting the rights of workers. Sign this petition to demand Congress defend the right to unionize and pass the PRO Act!

7. All Schools Must Require Face Masks This Fall

Tragically, the COVID-19 pandemic is surging once again in the U.S. Between low rates of vaccination, the delta variant, and increasingly open public events. It’s getting so bad that the Center for Disease Control is once again recommending that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in public spaces. Unfortunately, many people and organizations are anti-vax and anti-mask, which is especially dangerous for all of the young people that can’t get vaccinated yet. That’s why we need to mandate mask-wearing in schools this fall! Sign this petition calling for all K-12 schools to require universal mask-wearing this Fall!

8. Stop the Anti-Trans Bills in Texas

Almost 50 anti-LGBTQ bills, including 7 anti-trans bills were filed this year in Texas. Fortunately, Texas Democrats have been able to prevent votes on some of them. Targeting marginalized communities is appalling enough, but attacking marginalized youth is beyond the pale. This hateful legislation needs to be stopped. Trans kids need to be protected and supported, not attacked. Sign this petition to demand Texas legislators defeat all anti-trans bills being considered in Texas!

9. Investigate and Impeach Brett Kavanaugh

In 2018, when Brett Kavanaugh was being considered as a possible pick for the Supreme Court of the United States of America (SCOTUS), the FBI was tasked with investigating Kavanaugh after multiple women came forward accusing him of attempted rape and of sexual assault. Afterward, they provided confidential summaries to Congress and the Senate ended up voting in Kavanaugh. However, it recently came out that the FBI didn’t do a full investigation. They sent a few key points to Trump, but ignored a majority of the more than 4,500 tips provided by people to the FBI tip line. Fortunately, Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution states that all civil officers — which includes Supreme Court Justices — can be impeached and even convicted on the basis of “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” So it’s time for Congress to act. Sign this petition to demand that the U.S. House of Representatives clean up the Supreme Court by investigating and impeaching Brett Kavanaugh, so they can restore trust in our nation’s highest court!

10. Decriminalize Illicit Substances in Canada

Doctors for Decriminalization, a national coalition of physicians advocating changes to Canada’s drug policies, is urging the government to decriminalize the use of illegal substances. The criminalization of illicit substances doesn’t actually help with issues of drug abuse and trafficking. It just puts people in the prison system and makes it hard for them to reintegrate into society. It’s a racist and classist system and does nothing to benefit society. It’s time for a shift of resources towards accessible health care and away from policing. Sign this petition to tell the federal government to decriminalize the possession and use of illegal substances.

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