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Evan Davis, the son of Jennifer and Ryan Davis of Wilkinson, was the winner of the Be Kind to Animals poster contest hosted by The P.E.T. Project.Evan Davis, the son of Jennifer and Ryan Davis of Wilkinson, was the winner of the Be Kind to Animals poster contest hosted by The P.E.T. Project.

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A local youth has won a poster contest hosted by The P.E.T. Project in honor of Be Kind to Animals week.

The winner of the contest, with over 1,500 votes, was Evan Davis. Evan is a second grade student in Ms. Carrie Browning’s class at Omar Elementary School. He is the son of Jennifer and Ryan Davis of Wilkinson. Evan is the proud owner of two pets; a black Lab named “Bella” and an orange cat named “Orangey.” When he grows up, Evan says he wants to be a veterinarian.

In 1915, the American Humane Association created “Be Kind to Animals” Week to encourage compassion toward animals. Every year, animal welfare organizations throughout the United States hold special events during this time-honored week to raise awareness about animals in our homes and communities and to celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals. This year, Be Kind to Animals Week takes place May 6-12.

The P.E.T. Project began its celebration of Be Kind to Animals Week by hosting a poster contest for local students in Logan County in grades K-6. Entries were received from many area students, and the winner was determined through online voting on the P.E.T. Project Facebook page. Be Kind to Animals Week is one of the oldest, special week-long observances in the United States. In 1952, Be Kind to Animals Week received the official endorsement of the U.S. government. In honor of the week’s 75th anniversary in 1990, Congress passed a resolution declaring the first full week of May “Be Kind to Animals and National Pet Week.”

“Being kind to animals is much more than providing food, water, and shelter,” said P.E.T. Project Chairperson, Stephanie Preece, “When children learn about truly caring for animals, they grow up to be responsible pet owners and advocates for animal welfare. We work to encourage kindness to animals all year-round.”

In honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, the P.E.T. Project suggests some ways to show respect and appreciation for the animals around you:

• Report any suspected animal abuse or neglect

• Adopt your next pet from a local dog pound or animal shelter

• Spay or neuter your pets, and encourage friends and family to do the same

• Make sure your pet has an ID Tag or Microchip

• Spend quality time with your pet

• Donate to or volunteer your time at your local animal care facilities or organizations

The P.E.T. Project is sponsored by LEAD Community Organization. For more information, or to become a volunteer, visit the LEAD Community Org. website at www.leadcommunityorg.com.

For information on animals available for adoption at the Logan County Dog Pound call 304-752-1876.