School children might soon be taught about animal welfare with plans afoot to make it an integral part of formal education to prevent the young ones from becoming potential abusers.
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), which is under the Environment Ministry, along with animal protection groups is in the process of developing related-topics for inclusion in the school syllabi particularly at the primary level.
"If children are to understand animals and their sufferings, they need to learn about protection and it can be possible only if it is an integral part of their formal education," AWBI chairman R M Kharb said.
The Board has already taken up the matter with the State Boards of Education and Ministry of Human Resource and Development for their consent.
"If it is approved, we might see all primary school children receiving animal welfare messages and learn how to take care of them best in their communities as is being done in various other countries," he said, "It is one of the mandates of the AWBI to make the society compassionate about animals and children can be the best learners. Animal Welfare as a lesson can be included in the recently-included environment subject," Kharb said.
He said reaching young minds would not only reduce instances of animal cruelty, but also benefit children who would become better, less violent and responsible persons.
Animal welfare has already been incorporated in the syllabus of veterinary colleges.