Kindness Kits Rushed To Manchester Schools Following Arrest Of 15-Year-Old Over Suspected Arson At Dog Home

For Immediate Release:

12 September 2014

Contact:

Ben Williamson +44 (0) 20 7837 6327, ext 229; [email protected]

PETA Wants to Prevent Future Acts of Violence by Instilling Children With Compassion

Manchester – Following the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of arson over a fire at Manchester Dogs’ Home, PETA is sending humane-education materials to primary schools in the area. PETA’s goal is to help children of all ages recognise the importance of having empathy for all beings. PETA advises that acts of cruelty to animals can be prevented if young people are taught kindness, compassion and civil engagement.

“Individuals who show disregard for others are often indiscriminate about whom they harm – adults, children or animals”, says PETA spokesperson Kirsty Henderson. “Instilling empathy in Manchester’s young people is vital in order to help them grow into ethical and non-violent adults. In fact, the safety of the whole community depends on it.”

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 a major red flag. A study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University revealed that people who have abused animals are four times more likely to have a record of violent crime. 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.

The US city of Milwaukee recently launched a new programme, Spot Abuse, raising awareness of the link between cruelty to animals and domestic violence. The goal is to encourage more people to report animal abuse.

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 information on the case is encouraged to call the police on 101.

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