Photo credit: Mark Rayson

ADAV Society’s Research Director writes: ” am deeply concerned about the current practices employed by educational programs like Terranaut Club of Nova Scotia, where children are encouraged to dissect animals such as mammals, squid, and chain pickerel. I came across a disturbing video of a young girl in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, mutilating a dead chain pickerel without gloves, only further increasing my resolve to address this issue. This practice is intrinsically troubling as it sends a perilous message to our children—that animals are mere disposable objects. It’s a stance that stands in stark contrast to nurturing a sense of respect and compassion for all living beings.

The desensitization of young minds to the sanctity of life raises ethical concerns. Research indicates that repeated exposure to violence and cruelty, even within an educational context, can lead to diminished empathy and increased aggression in children. This is a critical developmental phase, and shaping young minds with such insensitivity can have lasting impacts.

There are thankfully plenty of cruelty-free alternatives to animal dissection. Programs, like PETA’s Cut Out Dissection, offer innovative solutions that allow learning without the use of dead animals. Simulators, virtual dissection technology, and anatomically accurate plastic models serve as effective, humane teaching tools. These tools are not only cost-effective over time but also foster a respectful understanding of animal biology and ecosystems.

Switching to humane alternatives ensures safety as well. Handling dead animals poses health risks due to potential exposure to chemicals like formaldehyde, which is often used to preserve specimens for dissection. Engaging with technologically advanced alternatives eliminates these health concerns while providing educational value.

Numerous schools and educational institutions worldwide have already embraced these humane alternatives, proving that it is possible to align educational goals with compassionate practices. It is imperative that we extend these compassionate choices to children in Nova Scotia and beyond.

I urge decision-makers within educational programs to rethink their stance on animal dissection and to recognize the benefits of adopting cruelty-free alternatives. Let us take a stand to ensure that our children are taught with respect, empathy, and compassion.

Please join us in urging Terranaut and other educational programs to put an end to the use of animal dissection in their curriculum. Sign the petition to advocate for cruelty-free educational practices and make a difference today.