NEW ZEALAND ANIMAL PROTECTION
ATTITUDES AND VALUES
The study of human-animal relations and the protection we give animals in our society offers a clear and adaptable lens through which to address one of the most important - and sadly too often neglected - elements of the New Zealand curriculum: the development of the values and attitudes that form young people into responsible and compassionate citizens.
Some of the crucial lessons for children are learnt via their relationships with animals and through developing nurturing and protective attitudes to animals, including:
- Finding out about the natural world
- Assuming responsibility for for animals' protection
- Grieving over the loss of a loved companion
This means that school students are very often already interested in thinking and learning about animals.
Moreover, the psychological and social links between empathy for animals and concern for the well-being of other humans are now very thoroughly documented. In this sense, animal studies are an appropriate and necessary component of an inclusive education.
View more resources about animal protection.