Kindness Kits Rushed To Lancaster Schools Following Animal Killing Spree

For Immediate Release:

5 December 2012 

Contact:

Ben Williamson +44 (0) 20 7837 6327, ext 229; [email protected]

Lancaster – Following reports of a series of barbaric attacks on animals by two teenage boys in the Ryelands estate, which include mutilating a rabbit snatched from Ryelands Primary School and savaging cats in the neighbourhood, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is rushing emergency humane-education materials to primary schools in the area.

PETA’s educational materials are designed to help children of all ages recognise the importance of compassion and empathy for all beings.

Experts in mental health and law enforcement consider the callous disregard for life and desensitisation to suffering evidenced by all forms of cruelty to animals to be a red flag. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation uses reports of crimes against animals to analyse the threat potential of suspected and known criminals. Experts agree that it is the severity of the behaviour – not the species of the victim – that matters.

“We want to prevent any further acts of cruelty”, says PETA spokesperson Ben Williamson. “Instilling empathy in children and teaching them to take responsibility for any animals in their care are vital. The safety of the whole community might depend on it.”

PETA’s letters to the schools are available upon request. For more information about the link between cruelty to animals and violence towards humans or to order a free education pack, please visit PETA.org.uk.