http://www.minutemannewscenter.com/articles/2011/03/16/fairfield/news/doc4d8122bc08826608316572.txt

Kupchick: Bill would prompt humane animal treatment education in schools

Published: Wednesday, March 16, 2011

HARTFORD- State Representative Brenda Kupchick (R-132) has introduced legislation this session of the Connecticut General Assembly which would require that the State Board of Education in consultation with animal welfare groups develop a curriculum of humane education to be distributed to local and regional boards of education.

Kupchick, who serves on the legislature’s Education Committee, said the curriculum would include the principles of humane education, pet care, humane treatment of animals, and promote compassion and empathy for animals, and respectful treatment of animals and people.

“Municipal animal control facilities are overrun with many animals that would never have come under their care had pet owners shown greater care and compassion,” said Rep. Kupchick. “The problem is continuing to grow. By providing a curriculum that presents these issues to children at a young age we may avert a number of these issues, particularly those that arise from ignorance on how to properly care for an animal.”

In a public hearing yesterday before the Education Committee, Bridgeport’s Chief Animal Control officer Jimmy Gonzalez testified in favor of such legislation at Rep. Kupchick’s invitation. Kupchick worked with Gonzalez on animal rights issues and getting a new animal shelter while she worked for Congressman Christopher Shays. Gonzalez, an active proponent of animal care education, noted that his experience in the line of duty has demonstrated that there is a need in educating children at a young age about proper humane treatment of animals and pets which can have lasting, beneficial effects into adulthood.

“Being the Chief Animal Control Officer for the City of Bridgeport for the last five years and managing the largest municipal animal shelter in the state, housing 80 dogs and 35 cats, has opened my eyes to the ever increasing need for animal safety and care education,” said Gonzalez.

This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns at midnight on June 8, 2011.