Humane Education Packs Sent To Schools In Wake Of School Pigeon-Racing Project

For Immediate Release:
20 June 2008


Contact:
Sam Glover 020 7357 9229, ext 229


Gateshead – Today, The PETA Foundation – a charity committed to helping end animal suffering and providing children with the tools to make compassionate choices – is sending free humane education materials to all primary schools in the Gateshead Local Education Authority (LEA). The mailing comes after an area school in Ryton acquired racing pigeons. According to news reports, St Agnes RC Primary School took on the pigeons to help improve pupils’ maths and literacy skills.


The PETA Foundation points out that pigeon racing is a dying “sport” which leaves pigeons extremely vulnerable to birds of prey during races. Pigeons are often killed or suffer from malnutrition and dehydration when they race in bad weather.


“Using racing pigeons teaches children the wrong lessons”, says Ingrid E Newkirk, PETA Europe’s managing director. “Animals should not be seen as disposable learning tools but as fascinating beings who have their own natural way of living. They do not want to be handled and banded, and they do not relish long, arduous and even hazardous journeys back to a cage or loft.”


The PETA Foundation’s humane education materials are designed to help children of all ages recognise the importance of compassion and empathy for all beings.


For more information, ideas about how to improve children’s education in an inspiring way or to order a free education pack, please visit PETAF.org.uk.