www.ShannonLHill.com

One of the more interesting challenges facing educators is the teaching of ethics.  As the faculty sponsor of a student group dedicated to animal welfare, I suggest that animal welfare is the perfect vehicle for teaching ethics.

Let’s take a look at what students learn when they take an interest in animal welfare. 

Compassion, empathy, responsibility, patience, charity, respect for law…these are just a few lessons that come to mind.

The first four are inherent qualities necessary for those who work directly with any animal.  If you’re working in animal welfare, you will be handling animals that have been abused or neglected, and consequently may have behavioral or medical problems.  Students will learn both compassion for their suffering and empathy for their needs, as well as responsibility and patience from the day to day demands of caring for them.

Responsibility carries over to the charitable aspect as well.  My students learn to plan fundraisers, research charitable organizations, and choose where to donate the money they raise.  They also donate their time at local events that raise money and awareness for animal welfare organizations.

Respect for the law is of tremendous importance here too.  Many rescuers inadvertently make the situation worse by “rescuing” animals illegally.  Unfortunately, many people call that stealing.  My students learn what the law allows and requires, and they learn that if you want to make changes, you have to work within the system to do so.  Part of being a socially aware, responsible adult is knowing how the system works, so that you can use it to your best advantage.

All of these are lessons of vital importance to our kids, and let’s face it…cute furry animals in need will hold the average kid’s attention much more easily than abstract philosophical lessons on ethics.