GIVEN your front page story about the appalling cruelty meted out to Elmo the dog, Kathy Owen's excellent letter (January 27) about the animal welfare course at Bebington Sports College and living cruelty-free comes at an opportune moment.
These matters are all connected.
Cruel, callous or simply neglectful treatment of vulnerable beings can indeed stem from lack of education, so instilling decent and compassionate behaviour should begin at a more impressionable age than at secondary level.
There is a petition your readers might like to sign, asking secretary of state for education Nicky Morgan to include respect and care for animals in the National Curriculum.
I quote: "Encouraging children to respect and care for animals can help them become more caring, compassionate, and responsible as they progress into adult life.
"While it is hoped that parents teach these basic skills at home, teachers can also play a key role in helping develop greater empathy and better social skills..."
Surely society in general would benefit greatly from young people being encouraged to be more caring towards vulnerable beings.
Marian Hussenbux,
Arrowe Park
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