THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 21, 1996 TAG: 9606210028
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 30 lines
You reported that Norfolk public schools and the YMCA have cooperated to teach ``character education.'' The character traits to be taught did not include humane treatment of animals.
Humane education fits in perfectly with character education. Children need to learn respect for animals and their environment, to be responsible pet owners and care givers, to have tolerance for animals even if they do not like them or are afraid of them, to show compassion for animals, to show kindness to animals and to have patience when working with or training animals.
A number of studies have shown that there is a link between child abuse, animal abuse and other violence. By encouraging the positive ``character education'' character traits toward all life, regardless of whether the life is human or not, we could help alleviate some of these problems.
By educating children - many of whom will be future pet owners - the jobs of local SPCAs and animal shelters will become easier because we would have a public with an increased awareness of animals and the needs and responsibilities that go along with them.
I hope that the Norfolk public schools and the YMCA will add a ``humane-education'' component to their ``character education'' curriculum.
LAURA A. PRITCHARD
Humane educator
Norfolk SPCA
Norfolk, June 6, 1996 by CNB