| A new children's book, Let's Go Visit Best Friends | | | | specifically designed to be read aloud in home, library, |
| Animal Sanctuary, has been selected to be used in a | | | | or classroom settings and to encourage conversation |
| teen mentoring program for Safe, Humane Chicago. | | | | with children about kindness to animals and responsible |
| In 2007 Chicago community leaders, city officials, local | | | | pet ownership. Kelsey's books will be distributed to |
| police and members of the faith based community | | | | teen mentors in a Safe, Humane Chicago pilot |
| joined with humane and animal related groups, to form | | | | program. The teenagers will be responsible for |
| Safe, Humane Chicago. This unique coalition's mission is | | | | educating younger children about compassion and |
| to educate children about the consequences of dog | | | | caring for animals. |
| fighting, conduct animal education programs for both | | | | People are starting to recognize that the issue of dog |
| adults and children, and develop youth intervention | | | | fighting is about preventing any acceptance of an |
| programs, so kids will not become involved in this illegal | | | | atmosphere of violence in our communities. You don't |
| activity. Their goal is also to teach an alternative to | | | | have to be a dog person to want a safe environment |
| violence. A Massachusetts SPCA study concluded | | | | for you family. Seventy percent of dog fighter's or |
| that those who attend dog fights are five times more | | | | other animal abuse offenders have also been arrested |
| likely to commit violent crimes against people. | | | | for violent crimes against people. They are intertwined! |
| Let's Go Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary was | | | | Children are the key to breaking the cycle. |