Photos of Teens Torturing and Hanging Pig Prompts Offers of Humane Education

PETA’s Humane-Education Division Stresses the Importance of Teaching Kids Empathy for All Living Beings

For Immediate Release:
April 16, 2015

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Following reports that four local high school students allegedly filmed and photographed themselves tormenting, hanging, and killing a small piglet, TeachKind—PETA’s humane-education division—rushed letters to area schools this morning calling on them to teach students about the dangers of abusing animals and explaining how this act can lead to continued antisocial behavior, from further acts of cruelty against animals to bullying, aggression, and violence against humans.

“Teaching kids to be kind does as much for children as it does for animals, because kids who abuse animals and never have that behavior called out often continue behaving violently,” says PETA Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. “PETA and TeachKind’s lessons help start violence prevention in the classroom by teaching students to have empathy for all living beings.”

TeachKind and PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—are offering to send copies of their poster titled “Abuse: Report It if You See It” to each school in the area in the hope of preventing similar incidents. Many serial killers and mass murderers first attacked and killed animals, including the shooters at Columbine High School and “Canadian cannibal” killer Luka Rocco Magnotta.

TeachKind’s staff is always available to send materials to schools, suggest lesson plans, and even host classroom presentations with students via Skype—all for free.

TeachKind’s letter is available upon request. For more information, please visit TeachKind.org.