EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — In April, El Paso Animal Services will launch its annual "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month" campaign to raise awareness of animal cruelty and human violence. This year's theme is "Break the Cycle: Compassion Starts with You," and the El Paso Animal Services will wo rk with community members to "educate the public on how to identify and report animal cruelty and neglect," according to the news release by the City of El Paso. The campaign launch will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, at the Westside Adoption Center, located at 5652 Confetti Dr. “When we recognize and report acts of cruelty early, we have the opportunity to intervene and prevent further harm to both animals and people,” Terry Kebschull, director of El Paso Animal Services, said. “This campaign is about empowering our community to break the cycle of violence through awareness, education and action.” According to the City, studies show that roughly 71 percent of domestic violence survivors reported their abusers also harmed or threatened their pets. In addition, the FBI recognizes animal cruelty as a crime linked to other offenses, such as domestic violence, child abuse and homicide, according to the City. The campaign will include educational events, issue public service announcements, social media posts, conduct neighborhood canvassing and community presentations, according to the City. Residents can participate by wearing orange ribbons, using orange porch lights and engaging through social media throughout the month. For more information on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month with tips and resources, you can visit El Paso Animal Services' website or visit its Facebook and Instagram. ...read more read less