Ministry of Education Launches Animal Advocacy Programme Within Primary Schools

The Ministry of Education has approved an Animal Advocacy programme, run by the Montserrat Animal Protection Society (MAPS) geared at all three primary schools on Montserrat.

The aim if the programme is to educate children on the general care and behavior toward animals and household pets, using topics such as: Animal Rehabilitation; Emergency Readiness and A General Attitude Toward Animals.

Jamella Jeffrey from MAPS anticipates that this will be a big step forward in encouraging positive behavioral changes toward animals and reduce cases of animal cruelty.

Speaking on MAPS Minute programme on Saturday, Jeffery added that according to a study, pets provide children with positive experiences and improve on social behavior, amongst other positive aspects

Jamilla Jeffrey.

In addition to these programmes, MAPS have started a Dog Walking Club to encourage students and parents to walk friendly dogs on Sunday mornings.

This club is used to encourage children and other persons to keep active, engage in community activities and build relationships with other students and the dogs.