Cuddling the class pet is cruel, RSCPA tells schools

Clutching the school guinea-pig or charting the growth of tadpoles in a jar has, for generations, been many children’s first encounter with the natural world.

But the practice of keeping animals in school is endangered and may even become extinct if RSPCA guidance is enforced.

Allowing small children, and even smaller creatures, to interact during lessons can be cruel, according to the animal welfare charity.

It says that the shrieks and grabbing hands of affectionate but boisterous pupils make the classroom a frightening and noisy place for pets. The health and wellbeing of animals can suffer even further if they are entrusted to children for the weekend, or over the holidays.

Click here for the full article.

Tagged as: Animals, Children, Classrooms, England, Guinea-Pigs, Kids, Pets, RSPCA, Schools, UK