Why Humane Education is so Critical

This past weekend in Lawton, OK two teenage boys filmed themselves brutally torturing a cat, and posted the video on YouTube, where it was watched about 30,000 times before being removed for violating the video sharing site’s terms. This may not be the first time one of these young psychopaths has tortured animals for the camera, if allegations by PETA and evidence uncovered by 7 News are substantiated.

The torture was so severe, even Comanche County Sheriff Kenny Stradley was lost for words. Dusty, the cat, is badly injured and traumatized, but is alive and was taken to a veterinarian. She will remain in custody at the City of Lawton Animal Control Shelter until investigations are complete.

According to 7 News, the teens are scheduled to face animal cruelty charges today. District Attorney Robert Schulte's office confirmed today that the boys are being tried as juveniles which many consider to be a travesty of justice.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE DUSTY CASE

• Comanche County District Attorney’s office - (580) 585-4444
• The number for the juvenile court is 580-353-3717
• Sign this petition to demand an adult trial for these perpetrators - http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/justicetodusty/sign/
• Dusty is currently in at the City of Lawton Animal Control Shelter, 2104 SW 6th St, Lawton - (580) 581-3218
• http://www.8cat.net/please-help-dusty-the-cat/

THE CRITICAL NEED FOR HUMANE EDUCATION

Many animal welfare agencies are reporting an increasing incidence of animal cruelty acts perpetrated by young children and adolescents. So much for the innocence of childhood, and what was once considered an innate bond between children and animals. What makes children think that senseless violence and brutality is ever OK, especially when a defenseless and innocent creature is the victim?

Children are not inherently compassionate, it turns out – and it seems that many parents are absent at the helm when it comes to teaching their kids values such as respect for animals.

When kids think it’s OK to hurt an animal, and are not educated differently, they are losing part of their humanity – with potentially devastating impact on society. It is well documented that cruelty towards animals is frequently a precursor to escalating violence in general, with sadistic and homicidal outcomes. Casual brutality is becoming the norm and it’s frightening.

We need to teach children that cruelty to animals is not acceptable. It is increasingly critical that parents, schools, daycare providers, anyone who cares for or can influence children, should be taking every opportunity they can to educate children about humane practices, compassion and respect for other creatures (including people). It’s fundamental to the very fabric of our society!

Companions for Life provides materials, resources, and lesson plans for local teachers, counselors, and educators through partnerships with Dallas' Parks & Recreation, Dallas Environmental & Health Services, city-run after-school programs and summer camps, and more.

We can also train and equip volunteer educators who provide on-site presentations free to groups interested in humane education. Check out our website for more information, and get involved! Our children need us to help them learn compassion and humanity, instead of growing up with role models of cruel depravity.

Please help us build a more compassionate and respectful world!