Emergency Humane-Education Packs Rushed to Derbyshire Schools

For Immediate Release:

23 August 2012

Contact:

Ben Williamson 020 7357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]

Furness Vale, Derbyshire – Following news reports about a man who left two Jack Russell terriers in his care without proper food or water, causing one dog to eat the other, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is rushing emergency humane-education materials to primary schools in the area.

PETA’s mailing aims to help pupils recognise that animals experience many of the same needs and feelings that humans do. It also encourages pupils to see humans and animals in the context of the natural world.

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 red flag. 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.

“We want to prevent future acts of cruelty and neglect such as this”, says PETA Associate Director Mimi Bekhechi. “Instilling empathy in children and teaching them to take responsibility for any animals in their care is vital. The safety of the community might depend on it.“

PETA’s educational materials are designed to help children of all ages recognise the importance of compassion towards all living beings.

To order a free education pack, please visit PETA.org.uk.

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