Preventing Animal Cruelty Begins With Education

It's a startling fact that if not taught at home, many children grow up unaware of how to care for animals and what is considered animal abuse.  At the Oahu SPCA, we enthusiastically support educational programs and love to share with keiki of all ages how to care for animals in a loving and respectful manner.  Knowledge is a powerful tool and the more children learn when they're young, the more they'll be responsible and loving pet owners as adults!

Recently, one of our active volunteers had the opportunity to speak at Mililani Middle School about animal cruelty at the request of fellow animal lover and teacher, Jenny Kuwahara.  Students from the eighth grade Yellow Track classes proved to be a captive and enthusiastic audience while learning that animal cruelty can take place at shelters, beach parks, and even at home.  The students were so motivated to help rescue animals at the Oahu SPCA that they planned a visit to the shelter for early next year to actively participate in feeding and watering the dogs and cats as well as cleaning out kennels.

As a result of our visit, the students will take this knowledge and educate others about the topic of animal cruelty.  Still in the initial planning stages, they're also working on scheduling a Walk-A-Thon to be held in May 2012 as their culminating service learning activity.  Proceeds and donations raised will help benefit the Oahu SPCA, a no kill animal shelter in Kapolei.  If you would like to sponsor a student(s) during the upcoming Walk-A-Thon, please contact Jennifer_Kuwahara@notes.k12.hi.us.

Our gratitude goes out to the Yellow Track 8th grade faculty who value the importance of education and who allow important subjects like animal cruelty prevention to be shared with their students!!

Stay tuned for more information and stories about their upcoming shelter visit and Walk-A-Thon...