Local School District to Receive Empathy Curricula from PETA After Teen’s Arrest for Stabbing Dog

For Immediate Release:
January 7, 2025

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

Following the arrest of a 16-year-old who authorities say admitted to stabbing a dog to death in an attack that was reportedly filmed and posted on social media, TeachKind, PETA’s humane education division, sent Martin County School District Superintendent Michael Maine an urgent letter today stressing the need for humane education that fosters empathy for all living, feeling beings. TeachKind also sent kindness-to-animals educational materials, including “Empathy Now,” a guide to preventing violence by young people.

According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the disturbing video showed the dog tied to a tree and suffering from “a gaping stab wound.” The teen, who was apparently given the animal by a friend, reportedly told deputies he had stabbed the dog twice because he “wanted to get rid of” them and that he wanted to keep the dog’s skull as a “trophy.”

“This dog endured a terrifying, agonizing death,” says PETA Vice President of Youth Programs Marta Holmberg. “TeachKind stands ready to help the Martin County School District teach its students that every sentient being, whether a canine or a classmate, deserves empathy and respect.”

TeachKind is also sending the school district its “Challenging Assumptions” curriculum, which helps secondary school students examine discrimination and other social justice issues; its “Share the World” program kit, which includes lessons that aim to foster empathy for animals and are appropriate for even the youngest learners; and a set of anti-bullying posters.

Sandy Hook Promise includes cruelty to animals on its list of “10 Critical Warning Signs of Violence,” 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 Kitsfor 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 TeachKind on Facebook or Instagram.