Newspaper accounts of sensational crimes often mention some incident of animal abuse in the perpetrator's background. Any child who abuses animals should be recognized as being in need of immediate help. In this context, humane education also provides a means by which teachers may recognize victims of child abuse. Humane education lessons offer a setting in which children discuss how animals in their families are treated, and sometimes the treatment is abusive. Teachers should be aware that where animal abuse is taking place, whether perpetrated by parent or child, child abuse is often taking place as well.
Humane education is more than pet care information.
Teaching responsible pet ownership is part of humane education, but it is not the whole aim. 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.