Auburn University's Animal Advocate Club is looking to change that.
The Animal Advocate Club's goals are to bring animal lovers together and to aid animals in need in anyway they can.
Lauren Chamberlain, junior in business administration and treasurer of the club, said she hopes to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected animals.
"I joined because I wanted to help out the animals in Lee County that may not be getting the attention they deserve," Chamberlain said. "We just try to get the word out that there are animals right here in Auburn that have been abused or neglected, and they could really use our help."
However, the Animal Advocate Club does not limit its attention to local animals.
"As much as we can, we also like to do things for animals in other places," Chamberlain said. "We've been thinking about adopting a few tigers from Africa. It only costs about $25 to keep a wild animal protected."
Members of the organization take a hands-on approach to helping animals in need.
Cory Evans, senior in communications, is a member of the Animal Advocate Club.
"We mostly go to local animal shelters and donate our time and resources," Evans said.
Members raise money for animal shelters by having bake sales and organizing fundraisers. They collect canned goods, toys and other supplies for animals in need, as well.
Chelsea Heinen, senior in pre-veterinary, is the Animal Advocate Club's president. Heinen said she started the club to share her love of animals.
"I have always loved animals ever since I was a little kid," Heinen said. "When I graduate, I want to be a veterinarian. It's just a passion of mine. The main reason I started the club was to bring other animal lovers together."
According to Heinen, in addition to spending time with animals in need, the organization works to raise awareness about animal cruelty in the community and across the United States.
"My biggest focus, of course, is always going to be preventing animal abuse and neglect," Heinen said. "However, I also think it is really important for us to do everything in our power to educate people about what goes on right outside their front door, and how they can help put a stop to it. We sometimes put up posters around campus to try to get the word out."
The Animal Advocate Club received official approval for their club from the University in fall 2013.
"The club is very small right now," Heinen said. "I did get a really good response right after we were approved, though. I've had over 70 people email me about it, and it has really taken off by word of mouth. I just want to keep that growing, so it can hopefully grow to be a big club in the years to come."
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