As a society we must agree that kids need nonviolent social models. Many of us teach compassion by setting a good example. We may demonstrate caring behavior by treating our companion animals with respect or helping animals whenever we can. Children learn to apply these same principles in their relationships with other people. Of course, the increasing numbers of parents raising their children vegetarian make a strong statement for humane living, one that reinforces strong ethics, not to mention good health, at every family meal.
Schools can also play a critical part in fostering compassion.
In a growing number of communities, progressive teachers are offering a wonderful new curriculum called humane education. This program helps children learn the value of kindness toward one another, animals, and the environment. Another action we can take to find animal-human abusers early is to pass stronger laws against animal abuse. Once the criminal justice system takes such crimes more seriously, it will do a better job of enforcing the laws and prosecuting animal abuse cases. It will also mean that perpetrators are more likely to get psychiatric help.