Some Dos and Don'ts 1. Keep your readership in mind when you write. Almost always, you're most likely to spark change in readers if you focus on what's in it for them. For example, when I write about vegetarianism, I rarely mention how this will help animals. Instead, I tell readers how going vegetarian can improve their health, figure, environment, sports ability, etc.
People generally care much more about cats and dogs than about coyotes and foxes.
So when I wanted readers to abhor the excruciating leghold trap, I focused on how dogs and cats sometimes get caught in the traps. Unless you're writing an opinion piece, or your editor lets you take a strong stance in articles, play it cool. I tell editors and readers that I specialize in writing about animals, not animal protection. Use language that promotes respect for animals. If you care a lot about animals, writing articles to help them can be one of the most rewarding things you do.