Epidemic:
Kids Hurting Animals

PETA keeps an updated list of reported incidents in which young people commit acts of cruelty to animals. These incidents are only the ones that have been reported in the media. The actual number of such abuse cases is likely much higher since many go unreported. This resource is meant to illustrate the prevalence of the problem and to provide educators with tools to help their students learn what it means to have compassion for all sentient beings.

43% of the perpetrators commit acts of cruelty to animals before schoolyard massacres (Source)—it’s time for educators to take action by implementing humane education.

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Mississippi

State Laws

HOUSE BILL NO. 522

“SECTION 1. The local school boards of the public school districts, in their discretion, may develop and implement, at the beginning of the 1999–2000 school year, a comprehensive program for character education in Grades K-12. This program of character education shall focus on students’ development of the following character traits: courage, patriotism, citizenship, honesty, pride in quality work, fairness, respect for and obedience to the law, respect for others, kindness, cooperation, self-respect, self-control, courtesy, compassion, diligence, generosity, punctuality, cleanliness, cheerfulness, school pride, respect for the environment, patience, creativity, sportsmanship, loyalty, perseverance, friendship, responsibility and self-discipline. The program of character education shall include the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag as required in Section 37-13-7. The definition of the character traits chosen by the school district for implementation shall reflect and be in keeping with both the spirit and the letter of the following founding documents: the Mississippi Constitution of 1890; the Constitution of the United States of America; the Declaration of Independence; and state and federal law. A public school may not define or teach character or character traits in any manner that might promote or encourage students to participate in conduct that would violate any state or federal law.” (Source)

Reported Animal Abuse Cases

May 2021/Tate County, Mississippi

People.com reported that that a 12-year-old had allegedly set the face of a stray dog on fire in Tate County.

March 2020/Perry County, Mississippi

WLBT.com reported that an investigation was ongoing after juveniles allegedly recorded themselves shooting and killing a dog. The video was shared on the social media platforms Snapchat and Facebook.

May 2017/Warren County, Mississippi

VicksburgPost.com reported that four teenagers had allegedly shot and killed a family’s dog while burglarizing their home. They were reportedly charged with cruelty to animals, among other charges.