The California, the Department of Education is working with agribusiness to create learning objectives about ethics and animal welfare of farmed animals. They have consulted with animal agriculture industries but NOT the animal protection community.  

We need to change that. They need to hear from YOU.

Help us influence the future of animal agriculture e ducation in California by sending them your concerns about their draft educational document. They are accepting public comments through November 11.

Here are some important points to mention

The impact that confined animal facilities (factory farms) have on animals is not addressed. A decent environment (space to turn around or spread one's wings) is critical for his / her physical and emotional health.

No standards are listed under the "Ethics" section that would require students to think about and deal with the ethics of animal agriculture.

Students are instructed to understand "management practices that support animal welfare". Limiting a student's perspective to a management view, only perpetuates the Agribusiness perspective." We, instead, believe students should be taught critical thinking skills and formulate their own understanding of this important topic

The topic of "Animal Processing" does not deal with the critical issues such as the Humane Slaughter Act, the handling of downed animals, transportation, and the psychological and safety issues of slaughterhouse employees.  

Animal Place submitted comments and asked the Department of Education to reconsider these standards and work with animal advocates to come up with ones that truly represent animal welfare, ethics, and animal health. For students to receive a balanced education, they must allow representatives from different perspectives to provide equitable input into these guidelines.

Learn more about the standards at http://www.sonoma.edu/cihs/cte/

Send your comments to

Nara Nayar
California Institute on Human Services
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA   94928
nara.nayar@sonoma.edu

You can also visit the website, http://www.sonoma.edu/cihs/cte/ and go to the feedback tool to submit your comments electronically.

Other ways to help

Attend the public hearing Wednesday, October 20 th at 1:00 PM in room 1101 at the California Department of Education building located at 1430 N Street., Sacramento. You can voice your opinions in person!

Stay involved. If you wish to be added to our Animal Ag in the Schools alert list, contact Animal Place at info@animalplace.org .