November 2013

Animals are vulnerable beings in that they are subjected to situations beyond their control. Using animals as a bridge to discuss social justice issues can be a way to ease students into more sensitive and personal social justice issues such as racism and stereotyping.

This BC SPCA Humane Education department has created a short overview, Animal Welfare: A Key Component of Social Justice, which includes outlined activities and discussion questions that should get the conversation started. Designed to encourage critical thinking about where personal beliefs and ideas come from, these activities and questions can help students in their future discussions about issues involving people in society, as well as give them a chance to reflect on their own views on animals.

Are there consequences to keeping animals in captivity? The critically acclaimed documentary, Blackfish, explores this issue. While focusing on just one species, the killer whale, this compelling film encourages the viewer to consider the dangers to both humans and animals when natural behaviours are suppressed in unnatural environments.

Blackfish follows the life of one particular orca, Tilikum, who was captured in the wild, killed several people and is still being used as a breeding specimen for other whales in captivity. His story is told through interviews with trainers and experts who contemplate his motives and the motives of the marine park industry.

Blackfish is a must-see for animal lovers, especially those who may have gone to a marine animal park but left feeling more uneasy than dazzled.

This movie would be suitable for audiences 14+.

Read more BC SPCA movie and book recommendations.

Help keep pets safe this winter by creating a display of winter hazards for pets!

Many animal guardians have ended up at the emergency vet clinic during the holidays because their pet ingested what they believed was an innocuous object. Tinsel, chocolate and Christmas tree water can cause serious illness, as can meat bones, some nylon bone toys and other small pieces from toys.

As the temperatures dip, it is important that guardians keep pets indoors whenever possible. Cats seek out warm places such as car engines, so it’s a good idea to bang on the car hood before getting in – just in case a kitty has made this his warm bed. Salt used to melt snow can be irritating to paws, and can be harmful if ingested, so pets’ feet should be wiped off before they have a chance to lick them.

Antifreeze is another hazard that is more prevalent in winter as people top up car fluids to winterize their vehicles. Any antifreeze that spills or leaks can be deadly for animals who walk through it and then lick their paws. This hazard can be avoided altogether: Switch to non-toxic antifreeze and spread the word to others; it does the job just as well and can help save the lives of animals. We have more tips online to keep pets safe this winter.

Don’t forget to send us pictures of your projects and events so we can put them up on our website, as well as enter your club into the draw for some cool club prizes.

Check out the winners of this year’s Wildlife-in-Focus Wildlife Photography Contest. We received 700 entries from around the province for our two categories, Backyard Habitats and Wild Settings. It was difficult for the judges to choose from such an array of stunning photos. From dragonflies to bear cubs, the winning photos and honourable mentions will impress.

Learn more about this news item and other BC SPCA news that you may want to include in class discussions.

Kindness Counts
(for K- Gr. 2)

Companions for Life
(Gr. 3-5)

You Can Make a Difference
(Gr. 5-7)

  Cluck - The life of an egg-laying hen (Gr. 4-6)

  Bite Free (K - Gr. 5)

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On behalf of all the animals we care for and protect, thank you for your support.