Areas of focus

• The cruelty incident

  

  Provides an opportunity for the young person to explore their involvement in animal cruelty and develop strategies for avoiding this in the future.

• Reparation

  

  Develops an understanding of the importance of taking responsibility for the consequences of our actions and provides practical examples of suitable reparation activities.

• The role of animals in our lives

  

  Considers the importance and role of animals in all our lives.

• Basic welfare needs and sentience

  

  Encourages the development of empathy by exploring the similarity between the basic needs of animals and those of humans.

• Who is responsible for ensuring animals' needs are met?

  

  Considers the role and responsibility of different members of society, including young people, for ensuring the welfare of animals.

• What is animal cruelty?

  

  Explores the relationship between basic needs and cruelty and develops an understanding of the consequences of both neglect and intentional cruelty.

• Consequences of cruelty to animals

  

  Considers the negative impact of animal cruelty, highlighting its effects on the animal and all those people involved.

• What triggers animal cruelty and how it can be avoided

  

  Provides an opportunity to explore possible personal triggers and develop suitable avoidance strategies.

• Making a positive contribution to animal welfare

  

  Provides practical examples of ways in which young people can make a positive contribution to the welfare of animals. Some more ideas can be found under 'Practical ideas' in the Reparation section.

• Motivations for owning a dog

  

  Explores the young person's motivations for owning or wanting to own a dog.

• Encouraging responsible dog ownership

  

  Develops an understanding of the complex needs of dogs and how to choose and breed dogs responsibly.

• Dogs and the law

  

  Helps the young person to develop an understanding of the laws relating to dogs and to recognise their legal responsibilities as a dog owner.

• Consequences of irresponsible dog ownership

  

  Uses real-life case studies to explore what the consequences might be of having an aggressive dog or a dog with the potential to be aggressive.