Division 3: Grade 7+
Below are discussion questions and activities to build responsibility in students towards animals, people, and the environment. Both the discussion questions and activities are part of the ‘Your Actions Matter’ character education theme for the 2016-2017 school year! To see other character building themes, click here!
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to be responsible? What are some examples?
- You often hear ‘A pet is a big responsibility.’ Do you agree or disagree? Why? Do some pets require more responsibility than others? Explain.
- What are some responsibilities you have now that you didn’t have in the the past year or so? What additional responsibilities do you foresee having in the future?
- What are the rewards for being a responsible person? Are there any consequences for being irresponsible?
- How can being responsible affect your self-esteem?
- How can being responsible benefit your school? Your home? Local and global community?
Responsibilities for Animals in Our Care: The Five Freedoms
Animal welfare is the combined responsibility of individuals who own or care for animals and the greater community to establish acceptable practices for their care. In 1965 the government of the United Kingdom created a committee to look into the well-being of farm animals in response to concerns from citizens about their welfare and treatment. The committee, led by Professor Robert Brambell created the “The Five Freedoms,” now a core concept in animal welfare for all domestic animals. These freedoms are internationally recognized, and are used as goals or ideals when thinking about meeting both the physical and mental needs of animals.
An animal’s primary welfare needs can be met by safeguarding the following Five Freedoms:
Freedom from Hunger and Thirst – by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
- Freedom from Discomfort – by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
- Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
- Freedom from Fear and Distress – by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering
- Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind
Discussing the Five Freedoms
- Go through each of the Five Freedoms. Ask: How is this freedom met for you? Do you rely on anyone to have this freedom met?
- Go through the Five Freedoms again. Ask: How are these freedoms met for pets? Farm animals?
- Is one freedom more important that another? Explain.
- Is it realistic to meet every freedom all the time? Why or why not?
- Is it possible for one freedom to conflict with another?
- Is there a freedom that you could improve upon with your own pet or farm animal? If so, how?
Activities:
1. Animal Research
As a class, watch the short video ‘Higher Biology – What are the Five Freedoms‘ (3:10)
Have students select an animal (pet or livestock) and research how each of the Five Freedoms can be met. Students can present their research in a poster, PowerPoint, video, etc.
2. Conduct an Interview
Have students interview an animal owner or caretaker and ask them how they meet the Five Freedoms for their animal(s). The students may need to educate the owner on the Five Freedoms. Students can ask they owner if there are any of the freedoms they could improve upon and how.
3. Animal Protection Act
Have students look at Alberta’s Animal Protection Act. Encourage students to find the sections of the Act that address the Five Freedoms and identify the specific freedom that is being covered. Are any of the freedoms not covered by the law?
