Petition calls for animal welfare to be taught in schools
The RSPCA hopes to reach two million children by 2030.
A petition calling on the government to put animal welfare on the curriculum has been launched by the RSPCA.
The petition comes in response to a survey which revealed almost a quarter of children aged 10-18 have witnessed animal cruelty online. It forms part of the RSPCA’s newly-launched educational programme, Generation Kind, which aims to teach children key life skills and a respect for animals.
RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood explains: “The number of children seeing animal abuse online is shocking - the current generation of children are witnessing horrifying animal cruelty and neglect through channels which simply didn’t exist for previous generations.
“The risk for children growing up in the 21st century is that frequent and casual exposure to animal abuse will desensitise them and may even make it seem acceptable. Animals need us now more than ever and we want to grow a new generation of young people who care, who are informed and who want to do their best for animals.
“This is why we are launching Generation Kind - an ambitious education programme targeting school children, children in care, young offenders or those at risk of offending and other disadvantaged young people. Central to this is a new campaign to get animal welfare taught in all schools.”
Generation Kind comprises nine projects including Paws4Change, a programme that pairs up disadvantaged children and traumatised dogs, and Great Debates, a project that encourages 11-14-year-olds to think critically about issues concerning animals.
Through the expansion of these projects, the RSPCA hopes to reach two million children by 2030.
Chris continued: “This is the most important campaign we have ever undertaken. We are fighting animal abuse and neglect every day but we can only do so much. If we can foster empathy and responsibility towards animals in the consumers, politicians and decision makers of tomorrow, we can create a society which is truly kinder to animals.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
