Compassion for Animals Must be Taught

I don't think as human beings we are born compassionate. I truly believe that compassion must be taught. I can remember that as a kid, both my mom and dad had a great deal of respect for animals. Our dog was treated like member of the family, never chained to a tree in the back yard. My father would always stop the car while driving to rescue an injured anima. My mother always taught me that wild animals don't belong in cages. The snakes and frogs that I brought home were always released. I finally realized that I had no business catching them in the first place. I learned how to be compassionate through their actions.

I also think that we are taught to be cruel. If you consider the lives of serial killers, all were abused as children, and all tortured animals. In other words, they learned what they lived.

When we keep hearing about the school shootings, you have to wonder, what are these kids are being taught. What is lacking in the teaching?

Most people are unaware of the fact that New York State is one of the few states that requires humane education for children from kindergarten through grade 6. Under the Education Law, Section 809, all public elementary schools must include in their curriculum weekly instruction which includes two or more periods in the humane treatment and protection of animals. Unfortunately, based on the information I have become aware of, this is not being done.

I don't know if humane education in schools would stop all the violence. It would, however, help to encourage compassion, empathy and responsibility in children. It might lead to the awareness of children who are abusing animals or who themselves are victims of abuse at home.

Several organizations have put together packets consisting of various humane education materials to assist teachers in easily adding the humane education requirement to their curriculum. If you, as a teacher or parent, are interested in obtaining more information about these, please call NYSHA's office at (845) 336-4514. .

I feel that including humane education in our schools is one of the best ways that we can help prevent cruelty and violence towards animals and people.

Susan C. McDonough
President

New York State Humane AssociationHumane Review, Vol.XV, No.1, Summer 2001.