People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is offering it's TeachKind curriculum to the San Antonio ISD, in the wake of allegations that four young teenagers have been torturing and killing ducks and other wildlife in a west side park, and posting videos on social media, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"Violence is sweeping through our schools, and these teens apparently used social media to brag about kicking and killing multiple animals," says peta2 Associate Director of Youth Campaigns Rachelle Owen. "TeachKind is urging San Antonio schools to help prevent anyone else from getting hurt by implementing humane education."
San Antonio Animal Care Services reported earlier this month that the 13 to 15 year old boys and girls had videoed themselves killing the birds that live in Elmendorf Lake Park near Our Lady of the Lake University, and posting the videos on Instagram.
In a letter to Superintendent Pedro Martinez, PETA makes the connection between animal cruelty and an uptick in violence, from bullying to school shootings, across the country.
TeachKind notes that, according to leading mental-health professionals and law-enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to the community at large. Its staff is available to send materials to schools, suggest lesson plans, and even host classroom presentations for students via Skype—all for free.
The curriculum is called 'Bullies are Just Cowards: Report Abuse When You See It!' It is adapted for use at the middle school and high school levels, and helps 'schools comply with the Texas Education Code, which requires that students receive lessons in kindness, empathy, and compassion as part of their character education.'
There is a proven connection between young people who abuse and torture animals and crimes later in life ranging from domestic and sexual violence to murder.
IMAGE: PETA