If every Canadian looked after his or her pets properly, certainly many animals would be better off. But if the motivation for looking after pets properly does not include a genuine appreciation and concern for all life, then humane attitudes have not been fully developed. Humane education takes environmental education a step further. Environmental education includes wildlife as part of the natural environment. Humane education includes domestic animals as part of the human environment which is part of the natural environment.
Humane education teaches an appreciation of the interrelationships of all living things.
Its subject matter is the web of life. The life and welfare of each individual person is inextricably interwoven with the lives and welfare of the other people, wildlife and domestic animals with which he or she shares the earth. As humans, we make decisions which affect the entire biosphere. Humane education helps lead children to ethical decisions taking into account other people, animals and the environment. Humane education defined by the American Humane Association 1998 Summit on Humane Education Humane education strives, through a variety of strategies and methods, to provide experiences that transform the individual.