Humane education is an approach to teaching that inspires kindness to animals, people and the environment – every living thing. Humane education incorporates students’ relationships with other species and the earth we share, thus providing a unique point of reference for reflection on one’s place in the world.
The idea that encouraging kindness to animals will result in more kindness to people has been the underlying philosophy of the humane education movement for close to 150 years. It has long been recognized by SPCAs and Humane Societies across the continent, many of which originally had the mandate of protecting both animals and children.
Any teacher can easily practice humane education. By using animal welfare examples, stories and lessons within the existing curriculum you can add an extra dimension to your teaching. Our website for teachers provides ideas and activities to integrate humane education into their teaching and is connected to Alberta Education’s Program of Studies, however, concepts can also be used by teachers in other jurisdictions.
Current research is proving there is a correlation between cruelty to animals and violence toward people. This corresponds to the belief of early humane educators who felt that teaching kindness to animals would encourage more compassion to people. The Alberta SPCA has been a leader in humane education since the Alberta SPCA education department began in 1981.
