A new club called the “Promoting Animal Welfare Society” (PAWS) has officially joined the club roster. The club aims to give Harrisites insight on the problems that animals face throughout the world and to offer sideas for how students can help amend these issues as a community.
In the past couple of years, there were no clubs that advocated for animal welfare. To rectify this situation, seniors Hye Mi Jeon, Ibnat Iqbal, and Michelle Shin created this club.
Ibnat mentioned that the goal of the club is to educate others, since “people do not know enough about animal cruelty.”
Most recently, on November 15, members attended “Whiskers in Wonderland,” a holiday pet adoption event hosted by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals in partnership with the Petco Foundation in Union Square.
There the club partook in activities such as handing out flyers, interacting with animals, and most importantly, raising support for Petco, which lobbies for animal advocacy.
Additionally, PAWS will be holding a fundraiser to collect clean blankets, sheets, and pet toys to distribute to animal shelters. Michelle predicts the event will involve a lot of work, but expects at the same time that it will be a lot of fun.
“A society can be judged on how well they treat their fellow creatures,” commented Social Studies teacher and PAWS advisor John O’Malley. Mr. O’Malley grew up with dogs, and exclaims that his pets “helped raise [him] by keeping [him] away from open stairways and dangerous objects.”
“Animals are being poorly treated,” mentioned sophomore Denise Obaji. She joined the club because she feels that “it is necessary for us to gain an understanding as to how we can help them.”
Ibnat, Hye Mi, and Michelle are eager to advertise and work for the club.
“We are all really passionate about animals and we want to see this club happen,” Ibnat stated.
“If you have a zeal for animals, join PAWS, a place where you can make a worthwhile difference, have fun, and foster your love for animals.”
PAWS currently meets on Wednesdays in Room 411.
