DIRECTIONS IN EDUCATION
Australian Council for Educational Leaders
Volume 14 Number 8 - 27 May 2005

In May 2004 all four political parties in the Austrian (EU) Federal Parliament agreed on a ground-breaking inaugural national animal protection law. In addition to progressive animal husbandry requirements, it enables animals to be identified as sentient beings and the Constitution now requires the State to protect the life and well-being of animals due to the special responsibility of humans with respect to animals as their fellows.

The law also requires that especially young people be given a better understanding of animal protection. Animal welfare education is not new in Austrian (EU) schools. It has been taught for almost twenty years and students in over 8500 schools now receive tuition based on the advice of veterinarians, farmers, lawyers, philosophers, theologians and psychologists. However, the new law has paved the way for further curriculum development and educational materials developed by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) Trust have recently been approved by the Ministry for Education for use in Austrian schools.

CIWF Trust materials including suggested lesson plans have been in use in the UK for several years, at primary, lower and upper secondary level. They are designed to raise awareness of the inherent needs of farm animals, to help children form their own views and, as consumers, to make ethical choices. Certain classroom activities also help them to develop an understanding of their own and others' values.

Like our companion animals, farm animals are sentient, i.e. they feel pain and experience fear and given the appropriate conditions for their species they can enjoy life, i.e. they warrant compassion. Recent behavioural and cognitive research on pigs and chickens has shown they are at least as intelligent as dogs and cats, i.e. they warrant respect. They are also dependent upon us for their well-being, i.e. they need care. This calls for responsibility.

Care and compassion, respect and responsibility are core values identified by the National Framework on Values Education in (Australian) Schools.

A pilot project generously funded by the Sydney-based animal welfare philanthropic trust 'Voiceless the fund for animals' will enable CIWF Trust to introduce its materials to Australian schools next year.

Voiceless co-founder Brian Sherman believes "Children have a natural empathy and curiosity about animals. The CIWF education program will foster respect and compassion, so that as adults they will advocate a more humane society."

Values taught in one discipline will reach out to others. CIWF and Voiceless are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to 'values education' in Australian schools and ultimately a more compassionate and caring society.

Written by:
Carole de Fraga,
Regional Representative - Oceania,
Compassion in World Farming,
PO Box 197 Camberwell VIC 3124
Email: cdefraga@alphalink.com.au

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