Vet backs animal cruelty crackdown

Vet backs animal cruelty crackdown

As appalling acts of animal cruelty continue to make the headlines, a leading veterinarian has called for greater education and tougher penalties for offenders.

Dr Mark Perissinotto, head vet for VetshopAustralia.com.au, made the call following the recent case in Geelong, Victoria, where two kittens died and a third was left clinging to life after they were beaten and dumped on the side of the road in a garbage bag.

“It’s hard to comprehend what would drive people to treat animals this way, yet we hear of cases like this quite regularly,’’ Dr Mark Perissinotto said.

“I strongly believe that it is time to introduce animal ethics education in schools to help combat animal cruelty.”

Dr Perissinotto said while humane education programs run by animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA did an excellent job, more formalised initiatives should be included in the school curriculum.

“As with anything, education is the key. Children from a young age must learn to grow up with a healthy respect for all life, particularly given the well documented parallels between animal abuse and human violence.”

“Humane education courses should be introduced into school curriculum and teachers trained to incorporate responsible animal care messages into their lessons. This will help foster an attitude of respect for the rights, needs and protection of animals as well as create more rounded, empathetic people.”

Dr Perissinotto said animal ethics education could be included in subjects that involve animals or social issues such as science, agricultural studies and social science.

“However this shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of schools alone,” he said.

“Parents also have a big role to play in teaching their children to be kind, caring and nurturing towards animals.”

VetshopAustralia.com.au has also backed moves by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh to increase jail terms for cases of animal cruelty.

Premier Bligh says legislation will go to Parliament in July to increase jail terms to a maximum of seven years and to make animal cruelty a criminal offence.

“This is important legislation which sends a clear message to the community that animal cruelty has very serious consequences,’’ Dr Perissinotto said.

ENDS

Further inquiries: Dr Mark Perissinotto BVSc 07 5453 4840

VetShopAustralia employs fully qualified, licensed, practicing veterinary surgeons and animal health professionals to carefully check all the pet products sold to ensure that quality is not just a promise but a reality.

Since the beginning, VetShopAustralia is a Vet-owned and Vet-operated online pet store for pet supplies. On top of our promise to deliver top quality products, our sales support services are backed by Vets. You will have peace of mind knowing that you will receive quality sales and service.

Our Address

VetShopAustralia.com.au
PO BOX 5007,
SCMC QLD,
Australia 4560.

Email: info@VetShopAustralia.com.au

Main Customer Service Line: 1300 VETSHOP (1 300 838 7467)
Customer Service - other Lines: 07 5453 4840, 07 5453 7103 and 07 3102 9774
Customer Service Fax: 07 5456 4325

Press Contact: Jemma Lenton

jemmalenton@vetshoponline.com

This release was published on openPR.