Beating of Dogs by Teen Prompts PETA to Offer Humane Education

Group’s Humane-Education Division Stresses Need for Lessons on Compassion in School Curriculum

For Immediate Release:
December 16, 2015

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

In response to reports that a 13-year-old Taylor girl was caught on video beating five dogs with a tree branch, TeachKind—PETA’s humane-education division—is calling on every school in the Taylor School District to begin teaching students empathy and compassion for animals. Experts agree that uncorrected acts of cruelty to animals can lead to other antisocial and violent behavior. TeachKind and PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—are also offering to send humane-education lesson plans and posters titled “Abuse: Report It if You See It” to each school in the area in the hope of preventing similar future incidents. The dogs have since been removed from the teen’s home.

“This sad case is a reminder that it’s vital for schools to teach kids that all living beings deserve kindness and respect, as many won’t receive this lesson at home,” says PETA Senior Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. “TeachKind is asking every school in the area to step up for students and animals before anyone else is hurt.”

TeachKind points out that according to leading mental-health professionals and law-enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to the community at large. 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 available to suggest lesson plans and even host classroom presentations with students via Skype—all for free.

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