Policy

Animal Welfare Education in Schools

Education about animal welfare from an early age shapes attitudes and behaviours that benefit animals throughout society.

Key Facts

Research links childhood empathy toward animals with reduced adult violence toward humans
Animal welfare education is included in some national curricula but absent from many others
The RSPCA and other welfare organisations provide school resources and programmes
Children who learn about farm animal welfare are more likely to consider welfare in food choices
Companion animal care education reduces neglect and promotes responsible ownership

Welfare Considerations

Early education about animal welfare has lasting effects on attitudes, empathy, and behaviour. Schools that incorporate animal welfare into curricula produce students who are more likely to consider animal welfare in their consumer, civic, and professional choices. Investing in welfare education is one of the highest-leverage long-term interventions for improving animal lives.

What You Can Do

Support inclusion of animal welfare in school curricula
Share age-appropriate animal welfare resources with schools and youth groups
Engage with children about the welfare of animals in food, farming, and the wild
Support organisations that provide animal welfare education programmes for schools
Advocate for farm visits and animal welfare education as standard components of food education