Animal Concern in schools!
In the week leading up to Bonfire Night, our Secretary Freddy paid a visit to Killin and Crianlarich Primary Schools in Perthshire, to educate the next generation about the importance of being kinder to animals. Freddy gave assembly talks to each age group, discussing the impact of sky lanterns, helium balloons, fireworks and rat poisons on animals, as well as the animal-friendly alternatives for each.
Freddy was delighted by the compassionate response of the students, from nursery all the way up to P7 (11 years old). Their empathy towards animals frightened by fireworks was evident, and some even shared their own tips on how to keep companion animals safe and happy during bonfire night displays.
The students were able to get up close and personal with a paper lantern (sans fire!) and a helium balloon, which prompted thoughtful discussion on how releasing these floating objects into the sky can harm animals and the environment. The students quickly grasped the concept, likening it to throwing an empty crisp packet into the air, only for it to eventually fall back to the ground and be forgotten about.
By the end of the session, the children made a heartwarming commitment to pick up any deflated balloons they found while out walking and put them in a bin, just as they would with any other litter. For a landed sky lantern, however, the students understood the importance of informing a grown-up rather than attempting to handle it themselves, as they might still be hot or even alight inside.
We then delved into kinder methods of dealing with unwanted rodent visitations at home! Students were brilliant at empathising with mice and rats seeking food and warmth, and were thrilled to learn about natural remedies like cayenne pepper and peppermint spray, which are not only effective deterrents but also entirely harmless. They loved the smell of peppermint spray, in particular, even asking where they could buy some for themselves!
Overall, Freddy was immensely impressed by the level of knowledge and care for a diverse range of animals, whether wild, farmed, companion or captive from the students of Killin and Crianlarich Primary Schools. These were clearly young animal advocates in the making and it was very exciting to see such young people hold animal welfare in such high regard!