6 July 2016
SPCA launches school education programme to reduce animal abuse
The SPCA has today launched a nationwide education programme into primary and intermediate schools aiming to shape how
the next generation of New Zealanders treat animals.
New Zealand has very high levels of animal abuse and every year the SPCA continues to care for thousands of lost,
abandoned, injured or abused animals. The organisation recognised it needed something different to break this trend and
after significant research, developed the free programme launched today.
The SPCA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Arnja Dale oversaw the strategy of the programme and says the programme is one of
the most important steps the SPCA has taken to reduce animal abuse in the SPCA’s 127 year history.
“Each year the SPCA cares for around 60,000 animals that have been lost, abandoned, injured, or abused. We recognised
the need to do something that will have a real impact on bringing this number down by educating the next generation of
animal owners,” Dr Dale says.
“We’ve spent the past three years working with education leaders developing this programme to get it right. If there was
only one thing SPCA could do to create behavioural change in New Zealanders’ treatment of animals, we wholeheartedly
believe this education programme would be it,” she adds.
Based on the findings from numerous studies in the field of animal welfare education and humane education, the programme
has been developed by teachers, for teachers, led by SPCA Education Manager Nicole Peddie, in conjunction with
curriculum consultant and former Ministry of Education Curriculum Group Manager Mary Chamberlain. The New Zealand
Council for Educational Research (NZCER) was also employed to formatively evaluate the programme during the piloting
phases.
The resulting evidence-based education programme for schools fits into the curriculum and fosters understanding,
compassion and respect towards animals, including responsible behaviour and pet ownership. It teaches animal welfare in
a practical, real life way such as students using maths to calculate the costs of owning a pet and debating issues like
the importance of de-sexing pets. The resources are free to teachers who register.
The nationwide launch follows a successful pilot programme in 22 Auckland primary and intermediate schools. Results from
the pilot study show a strong shift in students’ knowledge, understanding and attitudes about animal welfare. A
significant part of the programme is also about children developing empathy towards animals.
“There is substantial research highlighting the co-occurrence between human and animal abuse. The SPCA education
programme aims to encourage empathy towards all animals and people, thereby creating positive behavioural change in the
future generation,” Dr Dale says.
RNZSPCA CEO Ric Odom says the development of this education programme by Auckland is a huge credit to those involved and
its launch is a true milestone for the whole organisation.
“I think that we will look back at this launch as a critical juncture for animal welfare in New Zealand,” says Mr Odom.
Primary and intermediate teachers across the country can gain free, unlimited access to the extensive collection of
teaching and learning materials by registering online at www.teachers.spcaeducation.org.nz.
ENDS