The ISPCA is calling on the Department of Education to introduce a module on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership into the National School curriculum. In 2016, the ISPCA received over 16,000 calls to their National Animal Cruelty Helpline, resulting in over 3,200 investigations by their team of Inspectors who are Authorised Officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Inspectors seized over 1000 animals and instigated over 30 prosecutions for animal welfare offences. Although we see deliberate acts of cruelty or neglect, the vast majority of animal welfare cases are the result of a lack of understanding of the welfare needs of animals. All animal owners have a legal responsibility under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to provide for the needs of their animals. Including animal welfare and responsible pet ownership on the school curriculum will play an important role in reducing the need for intervention and will help to protect the welfare of tens of thousands of animals in the future.
At Roscrea SPCA we are playing our part in educating the younger generation on Animal Welfare. We have volunteers who, on request will call to your group of younger people whether it’s a preschool, school, youth club, scout group or other. We will give a talk on animal welfare and are available to answer any questions that your enquiring little minds can think of. We can cater for large or small groups of various ages. Our education program is tailored to the age group of the audience.
