March 2015

Are you thinking about colouring Easter eggs this year? Consider choosing eggs that were raised to SPCA Certified humane standards.

We know that not all animals are treated equally in society, especially those raised for food. At the BC SPCA, we believe that animals raised for food should still have good animal welfare and be provided with the Five Freedoms. Our standards ensure that animals are able to express natural behaviours like dust bathing for chickens and rooting for pigs. We also take measures to reduce pain and suffering by not allowing dehorning or hot-iron branding for cattle, both of which are generally accepted practices in the agricultural industry.

For lessons specifically on egg-laying chickens, check out our Cluck! video and lessons for the classroom.

Find out more about our SPCA Certified program and where to buy SPCA Certified products.

Ten True Animal Rescues
by Jeanne Betancourt

A hamster hero and a gentle gorilla are just two of the stars of Ten True Animal Rescues that will surprise you with the acts of heroism demonstrated by animals. Read about a pup who digs a young girl out of a snow bank, a family dog who endures injury to himself in order to save his human family from a fire, and a cat who alerts a mother to her suffocating baby. These are just a few of the amazing stories that will delight and amaze young readers.  

The simple short stories in this collection are suitable for children moving from picture books to short novels. The content is engaging and will likely be re-told by the reader to anyone who will listen!

Some of the stories from long ago (“Shark Attack!”) seem a bit embellished and others (“Lost at Sea”) will make you question the welfare of the animal. However, these tales also emphasize the change in attitudes towards animals over the years, and can lead to some interesting class discussions.

Get more BC SPCA book recommendations online.

This month we are featuring a longtime SPCA School Club, the St. Patrick’s Paws Club.

St Patrick’s Secondary School has had an animal club for over four years. Inspired by their teacher and avid animal advocate, Mrs. Zimny, club members hold activities throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for animals. One of their more unique activities was to bake fortune cookies with animal welfare messages in them such as, “Think twice before adopting a pet; it is a lifetime commitment.”

The St. Patrick’s Paws Club raises awareness all year long but chooses one week to be PAWS week. During PAWS week, the members encourage fellow students to sign declaration for animal rights, sell vegetarian chili and snacks in the cafeteria, and say a special prayer for the animals every day.

Want to start your own school club? Register now to receive your welcome package.

Great news for Willow! She has found her fur-ever home. After a difficult start in life, Willow was rescued by a good Samaritan and given vet care. Many people wanted to give her a good home, and we are happy to report that she will spend the rest of her days with a family with breed experience. Given she is a Siberian husky mix, and the tough life she has had, Willow needed to find just the right home with people who could continue to help her recover and reach her true potential.  

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.