The Associated Students WWU Animal Rights Club

Included inside:
FAQ Sheet
Press Release Template
Media Backgrounder





Completed by:
Alex Killian Danielle Oyama Jake Kasowski Taylor
Mattson


The WWU Animal Rights Club Top-Ten FAQs

1. What is the ARC?
The Western Washington University Animal Rights Club is an on-campus
club founded in October 2013 by Robin Fransen, Lexie Baslington and Mat
Pellinger. The club promotes the proper treatment of all animals and
provides students with information on accurate and affordable pet care.

2. What is the mission of the ARC?
The WWU ARC is dedicated to animal rights. The ARC educates students
about proper pet care during college, holds animal rights events and
activities and welcomes any ideas to raise awareness for animal rights
related causes.

3. What services and resources does the ARC provide?
The Animal Rights Club provides a space for all animal lovers to come
together and discuss animal rights issues and other topics of interest to the
club and its members. The ARC also provides tips, tricks and other advice on
pet care for college students on our Facebook page, as well as
recommendations for relevant animal resources outside of the club.

4. Who can join the ARC?
Any current Western student is welcome to join the Animal Rights Club.
There is no fee to join, and we meet from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. every Thursday in
the Communications Facility Room 115. Come to a meeting to learn more
about the club, share ideas, help plan events and discuss current animal
rights issues.

5. Is the ARC partnered with any other organizations?
The ARC is not currently partnered with any outside organizations. However,
we have aligned with the Whatcom Humane Society to raise money for Be
Kind To Animals Month by collecting donations and selling paw prints on
campus.

6. Why is the ARC important?
The ARC is important because animal cruelty continues to be a social
problem in America. According to The Humane Society of the United States,
most cruelty investigated by humane officers is unintentional neglect that
can be resolved through education. The ARC and other organizations
dedicated to the proper treatment of animals are necessary to facilitate the
education our society still needs about these issues.

FAQ Sheet


7. Can Western students who live on campus have pets?
Pets are not allowed in University Residences, but service dogs and
assistance animals are allowed in compliance with the Fair Housing Act,
according to the WWU University Residences website. However, fish are
allowed within the dorms.


8. Are there animal volunteer opportunities in Bellingham?
The Whatcom Humane Society offers many volunteer jobs working with
various animals. Volunteer opportunities are also available in special events
and fundraising, humane education and foster care. Learn more at
http://whatcomhumane.org/?volunteer

The Alternative Humane Society in Bellingham, Wash., is dedicated to
improving the lives of dogs and cats and helping them find permanent, loving
homes, according to their website. They offer volunteer opportunities in
transporting dogs, fundraising and special events. Learn more at
http://alternativehumanesociety.com/how-to-help/volunteer/.

9. Where in Bellingham can I find affordable care for my pet?
The Dollar Wise Animal Clinic offers low-cost pet services. No appointment is
necessary except for surgical procedures such as spaying or neutering. Find
more information at www.dollarwiseanimalclinic.com.

Other low-cost spay and neuter programs include:
SNAP, a program through the Whatcom Humane Society. More
information can be found at: http://whatcomhumane.org/?snap.
WeSnip, a non-profit, educational spay and neuter impact program in
Whatcom County. More information can be found at:
http://wesnip.org/.

10. Where can I find more information on proper pet care?
You can find information about how to care for your cat, dog, horse, or small
pet from the ASPCA at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care

You can find information about caring for domestic cats and dogs, as well as
wildlife facts and resources from PAWS resource library at
http://www.paws.org/library.html









For Immediate Release Press Contact: Your Name
Your
Phone #
Your E-
mail



HEADLINE GOES HERE
Subhead (if using) Goes Here


Start the first paragraph all the way at the left. Often, these start with a dateline (i.e.,
Bellingham, Wash. ). You want the most important or interesting information to
be first. Start with the what and then follow with the who, where, when, why.
The next paragraphs should all be indented. The second paragraph should
give more information. It can also be a quote. Dont put opinions in the body of the
press release. That is what the quotes are for. Also, a press release doesnt have to
have quotes, but they usually do.
Quotes are their own paragraphs, said Animal Rights Club President Robin
Fransen. This is where you can say WHY something is important or that something
is the best, etc.
Continue with additional information as needed. This should be just like any
basic story. What does the public need to know? Organize it in that fashion and use
AP style, this is the way journalists write. You can find the AP stylebook online, or at
the Western library most likely.
Press Release Template
Press releases are usually no more than two pages. But if it happens to be
longer than one page, at the end of the first page, put (more), centered. At the end of
the second page, put # # #.
(more)

The last paragraph should end with where the reader of the story (if it gets
into a paper) should go for more information. This is NOT the same as a contact
person. The contact at the top is for journalists or publications. At the bottom, you
might say, for more information on (insert event here), contact the WWU Animal
Rights Club at xxx or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wwuarc.
Sometimes there is a boilerplate, which is a description of the organization
you are working for. For example, "The Associated Students Animal Rights Club of
Western Washington University was officially recognized on Oct. 14, 2013. Founded
by Robin Fransen, Lexie Baslington and Mat Pellinger, the ARC has 14 official
members. The club provides students with information on proper pet care, animal
volunteer opportunities in Bellingham, Wash., and a space campus where students
can share ideas and discuss animal rights issues."
# # #














Media Backgrounder: Associated Students
Animal Rights Club of WWU
Press Contact:
Taylor Mattson (425) 327-3581 | mattsot3@students.wwu.edu
Danielle Oyama (360 )870-5469 | danielleoyama@gmail.com
Alex Killian (509) 845-3416 | alkillian@icloud.com
Jake Kasowski (360) 635-8646 | Jake.Kasowski@gmail.com

Overview

The Western Washington University Animal Rights Club was created in fall of
2013 in effort to better promote the ethical treatment of animals. The ARC spreads
information across campus on how to properly care for pets, as well as provide tips
and advice on how to have a mutually beneficial relationship between students and
their various pets in college. Formed by Western juniors Robin Fransen, Lexie
Baslington, Mat Pellinger, the ARC is funded through the Associated Students and is
the only club on campus focused on promoting and supporting the proper treatment
of animals. The ARC also hopes to work closely with the Humane Society in order to
help promote the clubs mission. The ARC is the only club on campus aimed at animal
rights since the disbandment of Animal Rights Network, a club in association with
PETA, which was strictly vegan.

Current Situation

Currently, with the exception of fish, there are no pets allowed in the dorms
of WWUs campus. In the off campus apartments nearby WWU, there are no pets
allowed as well. There are apartments and houses that do accept pets, students may
not be aware of which ones are pet-friendly though.
The ARC plays a significant role in educating students on the policies
regarding pets and how to properly care for their pets. There is no other club on
WWUs campus involved in animal rights besides the ARC. While there are non-
profits that help educate on animal rights, there arent organizations providing
information about cost-effective ways to care for a pet.
Unfortunately, there is scarce information available for students to learn how
to properly take care of their pets. Growing up with an animal is different than being
the sole caretaker of them and many students are unaware of this when they decide
to own a pet for themselves.
Having a pet during college has positive mental health benefits for students,
but what is just as important is the mental health of the animals. It is important to
take the steps and put in the effort to ensure your pet is just as happy as they make
you.

Facts

Owning a pet during your time at college can help reduce stress, anxiety,
and depression.
o A study conducted by PAWS.org discovered that people experience a
decreased heart rate from petting a dog, and from watching fish
swim in an aquarium.
Media Backgrounder
o About 18 percent of college students say their pet is important to help
cope during stressful situations, according to an Ohio State University
study.

Pets can improve the physical health of their owners by encouraging play
outside, and animals like dogs and some cats require walks.
o PAWS.org reports that Enhanced hormone levels of dopamine and
endorphins associated with happiness and well-being and decreased
levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, following a quiet 30-minute
session of interacting with a dog.
o The American Heart Association has linked the ownership of pets,
especially dogs, with a reduced risk for heart disease and greater
longevity.

Living alone? Going through a breakup? Pets provide companionship and
support to their owners, never letting you feel lonely.
o PAWS.org reports that Over 40% of homeless adolescents reported
that their dogs were a main means of coping with loneliness.

The space necessary for an animal to live comfortably varies from species
to species.
o Rabbits: rabbit cage size minimums vary from 1.5 square feet to 5
square feet, depending on the weight of the bunny.
o Dogs: Commercial Dog Breeders rules require that enclosures for
adult dogs must have enough space to allow the dogs to turn about
freely, stand, sit, lie comfortably and walk in a normal manner.
o Cats: Many cats require vertical space floor space is not enough.
Provide cats with higher up spaces for them to explore.
o Guinea Pigs: minimum 7.5 square feet cage.
o Other small pets space information can be accessed at
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care

The cost of owning a pet can vary
o Large dog can is at least $1,580 a year, according to the ASCPA
o A cat is at least $1,035 a year, according to the ASCPA
o A Rabbit costs $1,055 a year to own, according to the ASCPA

Many pets are abandoned by their owners
o Every year, six to eight million animals are entering U.S. shelters,
according to the Humane Society
o Animal shelters see a rise in abandoned pets at the end of school years,
according to Fox News


Importance of our mission

Every pet is unique, and has different specific needs and personalities.
Without knowing certain facts about how to properly take of your pet, you could be
neglecting or mistreating your animal in some way. It is our goal to provide student
pet-owners with the information and advice needed to fully know what your pet
needs from you and its environment.
Although some pets owned by college students are well taken care of, there
can be certain times when pets may not work very well in a dorm room, a small
apartment or house. Currently, at WWU, fish are the only pets allowed in the
residence halls on campus. Only in situations for ADA accommodations are allowed
in the residence halls, according to the WWU Residence Hall policy.
The busy life college students lead can hardly give them time to take care of
themselves let alone a pet, which can lead to neglect. Neglect of animals is illegal in
every U.S. state, and can easily be prevented. The ARC provides many easy and
convenient tips on how to care for pets even with a small time window and a small
budget.

Who we are

Robin Fransen
Co-Founder of ARC
Bio Cultural Anthropology major
P: (425) 736-3052

Lexie Baslington
Co-Founder of ARC
Environmental Education major
P: (425) 890-4545

Mat Pellinger
Co-Founder of ARC
Environmental Science major
P: (206) 853-7842

Robin, Lexie and Mat are currently juniors at Western. All three co-founders are avid
animal lovers and joined forces to create this club in order to share and spread their
passion for animal rights to other fellow students on campus. In April of 2013, Robin
and Lexie purchased their now best friend, a grey and white bunny named Gus Gus.

Bibliography

1. Paws. "Happy Indoor Cats." Keeping Your Cat Happy Indoors.
http://www.paws.org/happy-indoor-cat.html (accessed April 16, 2014).
2. Horton, Jennifer. "Can pets make you happy?." HowStuffWorks.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/pets-happiness2.htm (accessed April 16, 2014).
Springen. "Pets: Good for Your Health?." . http://www.newsweek.com/pets-good-your-health-
87191 (accessed April 16, 2014).
3. Pets Beta. "How much space does a rabbit need to live comfortably?." Cages.
http://pets.stackexchange.com/questions/1962/how-much-space-does-a-rabbit-need-to-live-
comfortably (accessed April 15, 2014).
4. ASPCA. "Pet Care Costs." ASPCA. http://www.aspca.org/adopt/pet-care-costs
(accessed April 16, 2014).
5. Fox News, "Shelters See Rise in Abandoned Pets as College Students' Year
Ends,"May 19, 2009. http://www.foxnews.com/story/2009/05/19/shelters-see-rise-in-
abandoned-pets-as-college-students-year-ends/ (accessed April 16, 2014).
6. Student Action: Help Homeless Pets. Humane Society.
http://www.humanesociety.org/about/departments/students/actions/help_homeless_pets.html
- .U09Ao-ZdUZI(accessed April 16, 2014).


The Associated Students Animal Rights Club of Western Washington University
was officially recognized on Oct. 14, 2013. Founded by Robin Fransen, Lexie Baslington
and Mat Pellinger, the ARC has 13 official members. The club provides students with
information on proper pet care, animal volunteer opportunities in Bellingham, Wash.,
and a space campus where students can share ideas and discuss animal rights issues.
By providing advice and information on how to properly take care of animals in a
college setting, the club hopes to foster positive relationships between college students
and their pets. For more information about the Animal Rights Club visit
Facebook.com/wwuarc.