Animal Abuse
What to watch for
Young people who witness or commit acts of cruelty to animals may disclose these at school. If that happens, here are some important points to keep in mind:
- In homes where pets are abused or neglected, there isa higher likelihood of child abuse or neglect.
- In a 2012 Alberta study of animal abuse in domestic violence situations, 85% of women reported that their children had witnessed animals being threatened or harmed – and in half of those cases, it was the child’s own pet..
- Children who are allowed to harm animals without consequences are at greater risk of committing violent acts later in life.
- Children who abuse animals are often also involved in bullying, vandalism, and other more serious behaviours.
What should I do if a child discloses animal cruelty?
You can start by contacting the Alberta SPCA. Our staff can speak with you to help determine the most appropriate course of action. If needed, an Animal Protection Officer will investigate and work to protect the animal.
You should also contact Child & Family Services. Social workers increasingly recognize that animal abuse can be an indicator of other issues in the home.
In some cases, an educational approach may be more appropriate. The Alberta SPCA can provide a a speaker to address a specific concern or to give a general presentation about the importance of humane treatment of animals.
How can I encourage students to treat animals properly?
Humane education fosters a circle of caring that includes both people and animals. It promotes our shared responsibility to care for all living things and the earth. . You can incorporate humane education by including perspective taking and critical thinking on how we treat animals, others and our shared environment. Additionally, modelling kindness, empathy and respect in your words, actions, and teaching materials is critical to show students that compassion is part of your classroom culture.
Where can I get information and resources?
Subscribe to our e-newsletter for teacher in Alberta, which will keep you informed and updated on issues and resources. You can also check out the links below.
If you need information specific to your situation, we can provide advice and suggestions
