HAMLIN, W.Va. — A division of PETA is asking the Lincoln County school system to install lessons on animal treatment following an incident involving juveniles accused of hanging and killing a stray dog.
Two individuals in Alkol face animal cruelty charges for their alleged actions toward that animal. Images of the dog have circulated on social media.
According to a statement from the organization, PETA’S TeachKind division has offered county schools its Share the World curriculum kits. The kits include lesson plans designed to teach students about empathy toward animals.
The organization is also asking Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Steve Boynton to add a prohibition in the school system’s student code of conduct against animal cruelty.
“It’s crucial that educators teach students that it’s not acceptable to hurt animals, let alone hang and kill one,” said Marta Holmberg, senior director of youth outreach and campaigns.
The organization said mental health professionals and law-enforcement agencies say those who commit violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders.
TeachKind’s staff sends materials to schools with no charge to the institutions.