Local Schools to Receive Empathy Curricula From PETA After Teens Allegedly Shoot at Dog

For Immediate Release:
July 11, 2024

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Following reports that local authorities arrested two teenagers for allegedly shooting at a dog, TeachKind—PETA’s humane education division—sent Etowah County Schools Superintendent Alan Cosby an urgent letter this morning stressing the need for humane education that fosters empathy for all living, feeling beings. The group also sent kindness-to-animals educational materials, including “Empathy Now,” a guide to preventing violence by young people; “Challenging Assumptions,” which helps secondary students examine discrimination and other social justice issues; and Animalkind: Remarkable Discoveries About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassionby PETA President Ingrid Newkirk, with an offer to provide a class set of the book for the district’s students.

Disturbing video footage shows an individual firing a gun at a dog at close range as the terrified animal seemingly tries to flee. The dog, who was reportedly missing from his home, survived the traumatic ordeal and has since been reunited with his family.

“When this scared dog needed help, he was met by young people who shot at him and made him even more terrified,” says PETA Senior Director of Youth Programs Marta Holmberg. “Compassion can be cultivated, and TeachKind stands ready to help Etowah County schools teach their students that every sentient being, whether a pup or a peer, deserves empathy and respect.”

Sandy Hook Promise includes cruelty to animals on its “10 Critical Warning Signs of Violence” list, and research shows that approximately 43% of school shooters first committed acts of cruelty against animals—so animal abusers potentially pose a serious threat to communities at large. TeachKind resources are easy to integrate into schools’ existing curricula to help prevent future violence.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. TeachKind offers free presentations, lessons, and other resources to help teachers add compassion to their curricula. For more information, please visit TeachKind.org or follow the group on Facebook or Instagram.