Wow, what I have witnessed this week has been enlightening.
Much of my animal care and welfare education is done in primary schools with occasionally getting into intermediates, and rarely accessing college classes.
This is because of the packed and busy schedules of intermediate and college schools these days and a mind set
of, "your education programmes do not fit with our curriculum".
Because of an animal cruelty incident which actually was perpetrated through a sense of bravado and stupidity, not a deliberate act of cruelty, I was given access to present to an entire year, class by class, (and this is where the real learning happens, not at large assemblies) at this college.
What I have learned is that our youth at any age can respond to messages of empathy and compassion towards animals in their lives, and possible animals in their futures.
Many young adults given the opportunity to learn that animals are sentient beings, capable of perception and feeling will look inside themselves and question their role and their actions towards animals, both past and present.
You watch it play out on their face.
Acts of cruelty by our teenagers are often committed through peer pressure and while being involved in a "mob mentality" moment.
I have had teenagers tell me of situations at parties with alcohol involved where animals have suffered and no one spoke up. I do not believe that everyone I speak to will be that voice that says no.
But if there are a few who have listened with their heart and who will be brave enough and compassionate enough to intervene and rescue an animal from harm in a group situation, you will find that many others will follow.
I am hoping I get the chance to talk to many other college classes.
Nicolle Smith is the animal education officer for Tauranga SPCA.
