AHS in the schools

It's more than basic commands, entertaining tricks or strolling obediently at your knee. Humane education at the Animal Humane Society is really about the humanity involved in treating animals and people right. For nearly half a century, we have reached out to the communities we serve to provide exceptional education and a proactive voice for animals. When learning occurs, the knowledge, patience and compassion flow both ways. Animals become happier, healthier and safer, while the people who love them gain new insight into what it means to be human.

To find out more about bringing humane education programs to your school or community group, click here.

What is humane education?

Humane education is just one facet of character education, a concept that is gaining recognition and is now mandated by many states. At its core, humane education is about social responsibility, making educated choices, and nurturing respect for others.

Why is humane education important?

In a time when strict education requirements often leave little room in the curriculum for so-called "extras," humane education provides a motivator for students to learn.  Humane education can incorporate important concepts like respect, compassion, and responsibility into nearly every subject area.

In addition, humane education plays a critical role in helping to identify and address issues related to The Link.  The Link Studies show that there is a high likelihood that a person who commits a violent crime as an adult also committed acts of animal cruelty as a child. Also, there is frequently a connection between domestic violence and animal abuse. In households with domestic violence, pets are 15% more likely to be harmed or killed than in other households. In approximately 66% of domestic abuse households, the abusive parent had killed or injured the animal to discipline the child.  Through humane education, we hope to bring an end to this kind of violence.

Humane societies exist to provide a voice for those animals who cannot speak for themselves. By providing humane education, we are teaching our children to be aware of the life around them and how their choices impact animals in our society.

For more information, please call (763) 489-2220 or contact Education online.