Juveniles’ Alleged Chicken Killing Prompts Offers of Humane Education

PETA’s Humane-Education Division Stresses the Importance of Teaching Kids Empathy for All Living Beings

For Immediate Release:
April 8, 2015

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

In the wake of news that a group of Mulvane teens allegedly killed a baby chicken by setting the animal on fire and then running him or her over with a car on school grounds, TeachKind—PETA’s humane-education division—rushed letters to area schools calling on them to teach students about the dangers of abusing animals and explaining how violent acts can lead to continued antisocial behavior, from further acts of cruelty against animals to bullying and aggression against humans.

“Everyone benefits when kids are taught to treat all living beings with kindness and respect,” says PETA Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. “PETA and TeachKind are calling on schools to start violence prevention in the classroom now.”

TeachKind and PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—are sending copies of their poster titled “Abuse: Report It if You See It” to each school in the area in the hope of preventing similar incidents. Many serial killers and mass murderers first attacked and killed animals, including the shooters at Columbine High School and “Canadian cannibal” killer Luka Rocco Magnotta.

TeachKind’s staff is always available to send materials to schools, suggest lesson plans, and even host classroom presentations with students via Skype—all for free.

TeachKind’s letter is available upon request. For more information, please visit TeachKind.org.