Epidemic:
Kids Hurting Animals

As mental-health and law-enforcement experts well know, cruelty to animals and violence against humans are inextricably linked. Many educators are aware that serial killers and school shooters—including alleged killers Salvador Ramos, Payton Gendron, Nikolas Cruz, and Ethan Crumbley—tend to have a history of cruelty to animals, and Sandy Hook Promise has cruelty to animals on its “10 Critical Warning Signs of Violence” list.

Forty-three percent of perpetrators of schoolyard massacres commit acts of cruelty to animals first. Educators can help prevent future tragedies by including kindness to animals in the curriculum. Amid the current epidemic of youth violence, PETA urges everyone to report every act of cruelty against animals and calls on authorities to take each animal abuse claim seriously—for the sake of the animal victims and to help prevent future harm. Lives may depend on it.

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Alberta

Provincial Laws

Ministerial Order on Student Learning

An Order to Adopt or Approve Goals and Standards Applicable to the Provision of Education in Alberta.

“WHEREAS the fundamental goal of education in Alberta is to inspire all students to achieve success and fulfillment, and reach their full potential by developing the competencies of Engaged Thinkers and Ethical Citizens with an Entrepreneurial Spirit, who contribute to a strong and prosperous economy and society.

…WHEREAS an Ethical Citizen understands that it is not all about them, has learned about and is appreciative of the effort and sacrifice that built this province and country and sees beyond self-interests to the needs of the community; is committed to democratic ideals; contributes fully to the world economically, culturally, socially and politically; as a steward of the earth, minimizes environmental impacts; builds relationships through fairness, humility and open mindedness, with teamwork, collaboration and communication; engages with many cultures, religions and languages, values diversity in all people and adapts to any situation; demonstrates respect, empathy and compassion for all people; cares for themselves physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually; is able to ask for help, when needed, from others, and also for others; and assumes the responsibilities of life in a variety of roles.” (Source)

Reported Animal Abuse Cases

December 2022/Edmonton, Alberta

CalgaryHerald.com reported that five teens were allegedly seen kicking and stomping on a cat “until [the animal] lay motionless.” The teens apparently were seen taking photos of each other during this act of cruelty that reportedly resulted in the cat’s death.

November 2018/Sexsmith, Alberta

CBC.CA.com reported that a coyote was beaten to death by two boys. The incident was captured on video.

December 2012/Edmonton, Alberta

CTVNews.ca reported that a teenager had been arrested after allegedly mutilating and killing his family’s dog. In addition to a cruelty-to-animals charge, he was also facing charges for mischief and breaking and entering.