Children who learn to empathise with animals develop broader moral circles and are more likely to become effective advocates for animal welfare as adults. Understanding how to foster this empathy in educational settings has long-term welfare implications.
Children's relationships with animals are formative for welfare attitudes that persist through life. Early positive experiences with animals, combined with humane education that teaches empathy and appropriate care, create the foundation for lifelong welfare advocacy. Conversely, exposure to animal cruelty without adult intervention normalises harmful behaviour and reduces empathic development. Animal welfare education in schools is therefore a long-term welfare investment: children who understand that animals feel pain, have needs, and deserve consideration become the adult consumers, voters, and professionals who drive welfare reform. The most effective programmes combine direct animal contact with explicit empathy-building content and welfare science appropriate to age.