PETA Calls On Head Teacher Who Sent Marcus The Lamb To Slaughter To Implement Meat-Free Monday
For Immediate Release:
22 April 2010
Contact
Martin Mallon 0207 357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]
This morning, PETA wrote to Andrea Charman, the Lydd Primary School head teacher who caused an uproar and resigned after she sent a hand-reared lamb named Marcus to slaughter in 2009 – urging her to introduce Meat-Free Monday at the school in Romney Marsh, Kent.
PETA’s request follows news reports that Charman, who left the school in February after the incident generated negative publicity, is returning to her post. In the letter, PETA points out that adopting the programme, which has already been eagerly embraced by several London schools, would show that the school is making a fresh start.
TV presenter Paul O’Grady was among those who had offered to save Marcus, but Charman insisted that the lamb be slaughtered. Marcus’ flesh was reportedly raffled, with proceeds going to purchase pigs, who were also to be slaughtered despite an outcry from parents and children.
“The regrettable lesson Ms Charman taught her students is that raising animals as friends and then betraying and killing them is somehow acceptable”, says PETA’s Suzanne Barnard. “Implementing Meat-Free Monday is a way for this teacher to redeem herself by doing something positive for her pupils’ health and helping animals.”
Researchers have found that children as young as 3 years old can already begin to show signs of coronary heart disease (hardening of the arteries). A vegan diet has been shown to reverse the symptoms of heart disease. Meat-Free Monday is gaining in popularity in schools worldwide because it is one of the best ways to help children combat obesity, teach kindness to animals and help the environment.
For more information, please visit PETAF.org.uk.
PETA’s letter to Lydd Primary School head teacher Andrea Charman:
Dear Ms Charman,
I am writing from the education charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation to ask you to consider implementing Meat-Free Monday – a positive, healing food programme – at Lydd Primary School. This free programme, which respects vegetarians as well as meat-eaters, will help show that your school is off to a fresh start.
Meat-Free Monday has already experienced tremendous success in several London schools. Children and teachers love the programme – it is part of a growing movement involving communities and cities worldwide that are reducing their meat consumption in order to encourage environmental responsibility and healthy living.
In order to participate in the programme, all you need to do is offer meat-free meals at Lydd Primary School one day each week. In return, PETA will provide you with healthy meat-free recipes, cross-curricular teaching resources that are suitable for all key stages and assistance with Monday menus – all free of charge. By participating in the project, pupils can learn to be responsible global citizens and discover how the choices that they make today can affect their future – and the futures of generations to come.
The Meat-Free Monday programme is all-inclusive – it is suitable for children of all religions and interests – and it is a peaceful, positive way to allow all school members to have ‘a seat at the table’!
Yours sincerely,
Suzanne Barnard
Education Manager