A CAMPAIGNER passionate about protecting animals has launched an appeal in a bid convince the Department for Education to change the school curriculum.
A petition started by the Darlington Vet Clinic’s Louise Craggs has called on the Government to introduce animal welfare classes for children to reduce unnecessary cruelty or neglect of pets in the future.
Since starting the online petition last month, more than 2,000 people have already shown their support for the campaign.
Miss Craggs, from Darlington, hopes the campaign will kick-start a change for youngsters who are not taught animal or wildlife welfare specifically as part of their schooling.
Miss Craggs said: “I work in the veterinary environment and have met children who think that animals feel no pain.
“Children who, for example, hate cats or certain other species to the point that they actually think it’s okay to hurt them.
“Who has taught the children this – their parents? Sadly a lot of adults seem to get great pleasure out of harming and even killing animals, their children see this and think that this is acceptable.”
The campaign has been widely shared on social media. Picture: LOUISE CRAGGS
Miss Craggs was inspired to start the petition by her friend, John Tweedy, a former porter at Darlington Memorial Hospital.
Mr Tweedy pledged to be the first to sign the petition after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
He and Miss Craggs both hope the campaign will educate children who have not grown up with a family pet and may not have had much contact with animals throughout their childhood.
Miss Craggs said: “Children often learn how to show love and compassion by having a family pet. They learn from family members how to treat an animal, whether that be their own pet or wildlife.
“Sadly the incidences of animal neglect and cruelty are increasing.
“I believe we could educate children better and equip them with the fact that most of the animals on our planet need us to survive and live happy and safe lives.”
The petition will be delivered to the DfE after 100,000 signatures have been added to the campaign.
To sign the petition, visit change.org/p/department-of-education-teach-children-the-importance-of-animal-welfare-as-part-of-school-curriculum
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