Humane-Education Kits Rushed to Middlesbrough Schools After Cat Fatally Attacked by Teens

For Immediate Release:

24 August 2016

Contact:

Jennifer White +44 (0) 20 78376327, ext 222; [email protected]

HUMANE-EDUCATION KITS RUSHED TO MIDDLESBROUGH SCHOOLS AFTER CAT FATALLY ATTACKED BY TEENS

PETA Warns That Animal Abusers Are Likely to Escalate Behaviour Unless Stopped

Hemlington, North Yorkshire – After hearing that three teenage boys were allegedly seen viciously kicking a cat in Hemlington, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is rushing emergency humane-education materials to primary schools in the area to help prevent future instances of cruelty to animals. The cat, Crumble, was rushed to a local veterinary hospital after being found gasping for air near the Recreation Centre on Cass House Road, but sadly, his injuries were so severe that he had to be euthanised. The attack happened at 11 pm on Friday, 19 August, and the Cleveland Police are currently investigating.

PETA’s educational materials are designed to help children of all ages recognise the importance of compassion and empathy for all living beings. The charity’s letters to schools also point out that experts in mental health and law enforcement consider the callous disregard for life and desensitisation to suffering evidenced by all forms of cruelty to animals to be red flags for other kinds of violence. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation uses reports of crimes against animals to analyse the threat potential of suspected and known criminals. Experts agree that it is the severity of the behaviour – not the species of the victim – that matters.

“PETA wants to prevent any further acts of cruelty”, says PETA Director Elisa Allen. “Instilling empathy in children and teaching them to respect others, human and non-human alike, is vital. The safety of the whole community depends on it.”

PETA’s letters to the schools are available upon request. For more information about the link between cruelty to animals and violence towards humans – or to order a free education pack – please visit PETA.org.uk.

Anyone with further information about Crumble’s death is encouraged to contact the police on 101.

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