SPCA New Zealand
Animal Advocacy

Position Statements

Animal Welfare Education

SPCA advocates for all children in primary and secondary education to receive animal welfare education to help promote to help promote empathy and respect for all living beings, including other people.

Recognising and treating animals as sentient beings by providing them with a “Good Life” with opportunities for positive experiences is essential for the development of empathy. Developing empathy (particularly for animals) is an important foundation for creating an ethical, compassionate, and humane society. National animal welfare education teaches learners, our future change makers, an ethical perspective, connection and a personal sense of responsibility coupled with a compassionate and caring attitude towards other animals and the environment.

Our organisation advocates that preventing cruelty and promoting kindness towards animals can be achieved through both formal and informal educational activities. Our organisation advocates for the inclusion of animal welfare in school curriculum as a compulsory subject.

SPCA opposes the use of animals for education where they are likely to experience pain or distress.

SPCA opposes the use of animals in education if their behavioural, health, and physical needs cannot be met. This includes providing an environment with housing that promotes natural behaviours, appropriate social opportunities, routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, and exercise.

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