Be Kind to Animals

Be Kind to Animals is part of a series of projects that addresses the issue of dog fighting in local communities.

The creation of this anti-animal cruelty mural engaged local youth in activities that raised awareness, promoted positive change, and encouraged a paradigm shift towards increased animal kindness. The manner that children treat animals is parallel to how they treat one another. This assertion was illustrated through a series of art-making workshops and assemblies with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA). The Mural Arts Program collaborated with the SPCA to facilitate workshops on the topic of animal care and treatment. Students at the Russell H. Conwell Middle School participated in an essay contest on the theme of animal cruelty prevention. Subsequent workshops and projects were used to inform the mural design.

David Guinn designed the mural, which was funded in part by Utley All-Star Foundation, the animal-focused charity of former Philadelphia Phillies baseball player Chase Utley.