Nonprofit Raises Awareness of Animal Cruelty through Contemporary Art Exhibit

The Rattie Uprising tour begins in San Francisco on May 20. It will highlight the fascinating and lovable qualities of rats and other small animals. The exhibition will bring together images by artists around the world. Accompanying the exhibit AFAS will be free hands-on art events for children that encourage compassion for all animals.

The San Francisco SPCA is hosting the event in cooperation with its inaugural small animal adoption program. Krista Maloney of the SF SPCA believes in the importance of instilling respect and compassion for all animals in new audiences, especially in young people. She sees the tide turning in rats’ favor as more and more advocates become aware of animal abuse. “We’ve seen great progress in animal welfare over the years,” said Maloney, “especially in San Francisco. In 2015 the live release rate for the entire city of San Francisco was 93% - the highest ever recorded for a major American city!” The Rattie Uprising, a groundbreaking effort to challenge negative stereotypes of one of the least respected and protected animal of them all, will encourage the responsible adoption of all small animals.