Charity calls for animal education after kitten deaths

AN ANIMAL charity is calling for children in Nottingham to be taught the importance of animal welfare after two kittens were found dead in Old Basford.

People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is writing to city schools asking teachers to speak to children about the humane treatment of animals.

The kittens were found by a jogger on January 3 close to Church Street. It is believed they were deliberately killed.

Suzanne Barnard, a spokeswoman for PETA, said: "Emergency humane-education materials are being rushed to schools in the local area free of charge.

"The educational materials are designed to help children of all ages recognise the importance of showing compassion and empathy for all beings."

Primary schools will also be sent a 28-minute DVD and a book of animal stories and poems.

An accompanying letters says studies have shown a link between violence towards animals and later violence towards humans and it is important children are made aware of the importance of treating animals well.

The charity has also offered a £1,000 reward for information leading the conviction of anyone responsible for the kittens' deaths.

The two five-month-old animals, with black and white markings, were found in separate plastic bags behind allotments.

Animal charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has said the killings could be linked to two other cat deaths in Sherwood in October.

A third dead cat was found nearby.

Ms Barnard said: "Animal abusers are cowards. They take their issues out on the most defenceless beings available to them."

The RSPCA have appealed for information.

Anyone who can help should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.