5 September 2005
SPCA Top Education Appointment To Promote Welfare
The Royal New Zealand SPCA has signalled its resolve to raise understanding of animal welfare and to combat the
mistreatment of animals, by appointing its first ever National Education Manager.
Taking up this new role is Sara Elliott, previously a lecturer at Auckland's UNITEC, where she was involved in training
the Society's inspectors. A qualified teacher and veterinary nurse, Sara has worked in educational roles with a wide
variety of age groups from toddlers to adults.
"It's incredibly important for young children to learn to care about animals and to know how to look after them. If, by
the age of five or six, they have been taught to behave responsibly to animals, that knowledge will stay with them for
life and help prevent both outright cruelty and the kinds of abuse which come out of ignorance" says Sara
"The SPCA is already providing an input into the educational system. We now need to expand and upgrade this input and
ensure that it's always best practice that is being taught. In addition, we are seeking the inclusion of animal welfare
education in the National Curriculum for schools, "she says.
Sara Elliott adds that education does not end when school days are over. She envisages an extensive adult education
role, in cooperation with community and service organisations.
The Royal New Zealand SPCA's National Chief Executive, Robyn McDonald, describes Sara's appointment as a key ingredient
in the organisation's strategy for raising New Zealanders' understanding of the proper treatment of animals and
awareness of their needs. She adds that the caring for and nurturing of animals are known to set positive patterns of
behaviour towards humans.
"We are especially grateful to our national sponsors, Whiskas and Pedigree, for providing the funding to enable this
vitally important initiative. They are extremely supportive of our proactive educational endeavours," says Robyn.
"SPCA staff do wonderful work with abused, neglected or unwanted animals and our inspectors are increasingly successful
in prosecuting animal abusers. However, instead of always dealing with the consequences of abuse, we would much rather
be preventing it though education and the changing of attitudes. The fence at the top of the cliff is as important as
the ambulance at the bottom!
"Sara is ideally qualified for spearheading our work in this vital area. She has huge experience of animal handling and
animal welfare roles as well as being a highly experienced and accomplished educator. Sara is also passionate about the
treatment of animals and has the strength of character needed in a demanding and innovative role. We are delighted to
have her on board," says Robyn McDonald.
ENDS