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, 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 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 Help Curb the Environmental Damage on Mount Fuji, Tell South Africa to Prioritize Wildlife-Friendly Tourism, and Help Ban Live Animal Exports in the EU.

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

1. Tell House Republicans to Protect Rice’s Whale Habitat in the Gulf of Mexico

It’s estimated that there are only about 50 Rice’s whales left in the entire world. That number signals that if we don’t do everything in our power to protect them, we will lose this entire species forever. Once an animal is extinct, there’s no bringing it back.

So what are Republicans in the US doing? Trying to make it harder to protect Rice’s whale habitat in the Gulf of Mexico.

You see, the Gulf of Mexico isn’t just a critical habitat for this threatened species — it’s also leasable acres for oil and gas extraction. This is the only place where Rice’s whales can live, have babies, and feed, but represents only a fraction of the area available for oil and gas leasing. It would be a drop in the bucket if oil and gas companies gave up this area so that these whales could live for generations to come — but the greed for fossil fuel profits knows no bounds.

Please sign this petition to tell House Republicans to stop threatening Rice’s whales to benefit the fossil fuel industry!

2. Help Protect LGBTQ+ Rights in India

In a tragic blow to LGBTQ rights, the highest court in India just declined to legalize same-sex marriage. This ruling could have been a landmark victory for so many couples in the country who have been systematically denied the right to love their partners and reap the many personal and financial benefits of marriage.

Source: BBC News/YouTube

But instead, the Supreme Court of India stood on the wrong side of history.

Please sign this petition to tell the highest court in India to reconsider this tragic ruling and protect LGBTQ+ rights!

3. Urge Government Officials in Texas and California to Invest in Public Transportation

Traffic congestion isn’t only a nuisance. It’s also a major cause of Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, due to an increased amount of fuel consumed as cars simply sit on overcrowded roadways, unable to move. And the amount of time Americans spend stuck in traffic jams has only increased over time.

Researchers recently compiled a list of the top 25 most traffic-gridlocked cities in the U.S. The locations range from big Coastal cities to areas in Florida, Minnesota, and Arizona. But two states stand out for contributing the most to cities on the list: Texas and California. Please sign this petition to urge Government officials in both states to develop plans to cut down on traffic congestion by investing in public transportation!

4. Help Curb the Environmental Damage on Mount Fuji

Overtourism at Mount Fuji in Japan is causing serious environmental damage. Each year, the number of tourists seeking to climb all or part of the famous mountain has increased tremendously. In 2012, approximately 2 million people visited Mt. Fuji’s fifth most popular hiking station. By 2019, that number had more than doubled – to 5 million people.

Source: Reuters/YouTube

Officials in Japan say that in recent years, those numbers have skyrocketed even more as international tourists seek to shake off the isolation from the COVID pandemic.

Please sign this petition to urge Japanese authorities to create stricter enforcement mechanisms, to ensure tourists don’t trample on and pollute Mt. Fuji!

5. Tell Mexican Police to Investigate the Death of a Prominent Non-Binary Activist

Ociel Baena was a highly beloved and well-known non-binary activist in Mexico. As the first openly non-binary magistrate in the state of Aguascalientes, Baena was a warm, encouraging leader. According to Juan Pablo Delgado, who helps lead a local human rights organization called Amicus: “This is someone who generated so much empathy, affection internationally.”

Now, Baena and their partner Dorian Nieves are dead. Authorities discovered the pair brutally wounded inside their home. The Mexican people are demanding answers and a rigorously thorough investigation.

The Mexican government owes it to these families and the entire LGBTQ+ community to thoroughly investigate the horrific crimes that led to Nieves and Baena’s deaths. Please sign this petition to stand with the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico!

6. Tell South Africa to Prioritize Wildlife-Friendly Tourism

Right now, South Africa stands at a crucial crossroads. New research shows that public opinion overwhelmingly supports a “lion protection fee” over hunting these magnificent animals for sport. The message is loud and clear: wildlife-friendly tourism is not only preferred but is also financially viable, promising to match or even exceed the millions brought in by trophy hunting.

Please sign this petition to demand the South African Government prioritize wildlife-friendly tourism over trophy hunting!

7. Justice for Men Who Set Dog on Fire and Threw Him in a Dumpster

Two sadistic men began by dousing their dog in a flammable agent, then lit him on fire. After he was extremely badly burnt, they grabbed an air rifle and shot him in the head. Then the men found a suitcase and shoved the maimed dog inside. For multiple days, they left him inside a suitcase, locked in a closet. Only then did they finally throw the suitcase – with him in it – into a dumpster outside a local store.

That’s when a store employee became suspicious after hearing the sounds of a pained dog crying out and smelling an odd odor.

Miraculously, Samsonite somehow managed to survive. After officials rescued him, he received extensive veterinary care and very slowly recovered. He is now doing well. Meanwhile, authorities have arrested both men, who were convicted of animal cruelty.

But anyone who would not only harm but genuinely torture an animal, needs serious psychological help immediately. Please sign this petition to mandate intensive counseling for these two men to help prevent future violence and cruelty!

8. Help Keep Animal Companions with Their Families in Colorado

As animal shelters across the nation face an unprecedented crisis with rising pet surrenders and escalating euthanasia rates, Colorado has a unique opportunity to set a precedent in compassionate pet care and family Support. The remarkable work of the Denver Animal Shelter is a beacon of hope that could be replicated across the state.

Denver Animal Shelter’s approach to keeping pets with their families through assistance programs, low-cost care, and a “Safe Haven” program is a model that addresses the root cause of the crisis. This new model is life-saving. These efforts have already helped over 100 families in 2023 by connecting them with essential services, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.

Please sign this petition to urge the Colorado State Government to implement similar programs in all animal shelters statewide!

9. Tell New York City to Immediately Ban Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

In the heart of New York City, a tragic incident has cast a dark shadow over the romanticized image of horse-drawn carriage rides. Ryder, a feeble horse forced to work despite his older age and poor health, collapsed and had to be euthanized.

Source: PETA/YouTube

The driver has been charged with animal cruelty, but this was not just a tragic accident. It is a symptom of a much larger problem, and Ryder’s story is a stark reminder of the cruelty inherent in this outdated practice.

Please sign this petition to demand that New York City immediately ban horse-drawn carriage rides!

10. Help Ban Live Animal Exports in the EU

Animal lovers and advocates around the world have a lot to celebrate right now — the United Kingdom just made a landmark move to protect millions of animals from being shipped like cargo just to be slaughtered in other countries.

Now, we’re asking that the European Union continue the wave of welfare. Please sign this petition if you want to see live animal exports banned in the EU!

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and essential stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in typical household and personal care products!