RSPCA primary school program AWARE aims to instil compassion and empathy towards animals

Many parents will know the challenge of teaching children to be gentle with animals — not to pull the cat’s tail or hug the dog too tight. It can feel like an uphill battle sometimes but, from an animal welfare perspective, the importance of these lessons cannot be overstated. Instilling compassion and empathy in future generations is key to ending animal cruelty for good. And it is why RSPCA WA recently launched a free education program for primary school teachers, students, and parents. AWARE is aligned with the Australian curriculum and is modelled on a highly successful program from New Zealand’s SPCA. It’s created by teachers, and ties animal welfare lessons into existing units such as maths, English and science. Since launching in mid-2021, more than 100 schools have signed up. Now, RSPCA WA is excited to engage with more teachers and students across regional WA. As a taste, below are some fun examples of animal personalities, empathy and intelligence used in the program to demonstrate the concept of animal sentience. You can check out more lessons and resources through the online learning portals at rspcawa.org.au/aware-program or call 9209 9300. DID YOU KNOW? Pigs might not be able to fly, but they can play video games. Researchers in the US found pigs were able to use a digital screen and joystick, operated by their snout, to move a cursor around for rewards. Crows have shown incredibly high-level skills when making and using tools. With no prior training, they can make hooks from straight pieces of wire to get out-of-reach food. Dolphins are known for displays of compassion towards those in need. In New Zealand, one dolphin came to the rescue of two whales stranded behind a sand bar. After people tried in vain to help, the dolphin appeared and the two whales followed it back into the ocean. RSPCA WA MID WEST INSPECTOR PAUL ACTON Every day my job involves dealing with the fallout of poor animal welfare, so it’s great to be part of something proactive, like AWARE, to build a brighter future for animals across WA. I’ve seen first-hand how powerful education can be in changing attitudes and behaviours towards animals. For example, when I go into a home and teach an owner how to better care for their dog, they become a positive role model for any children in the home, who learn so much through watching, listening, and copying what their parents do. With AWARE, we can reach children even earlier with lessons of responsible pet ownership and compassion for all creatures. And that’s an incredibly powerful thing.