Implementing animal welfare studies into the secondary curriculum

Abstract

Education could play an important role in improving animal welfare. Much of what production animals, in particular, experience is hidden from the public. It is recognised that animals are sentient and can therefore experience pain and suffering. This creates a complex issue as most of society relies heavily on production animals for their basic needs and intensive farming enables prices to be kept low. Introducing animal welfare education into the secondary curriculum will enable students to make more informed consumer choices, thus supporting more ethical animal use. Such studies can be cross-curricula, incorporating science and ethics. There is also the opportunity for many practical enrichment activities in which students can learn animal husbandry skills. Such learning also helps to establish a sense of empathy, a vital quality for personal development.