RAVEENA TANDON LAUNCHES NEW AD FOR PETA ABOUT ANIMAL AND CHILD ABUSE ON CHILDREN’S DAY

For Immediate Release:
12 November 2004

Contact:
Anuradha Sawhney 98201 22602; anuradhas@petaindia.org

RAVEENA TANDON LAUNCHES NEW AD FOR PETA ABOUT ANIMAL AND CHILD ABUSE ON CHILDREN’S DAY
Compassionate children lead to compassionate adults, says Raveena

Mumbai – What better day than Children’s Day to spread awareness about the link between cruelty to animals and violence against children? That’s what People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had in mind with the timing of the launch of their new ad, which shows Raveena’s eyes superimposed over the face of a dog with the tagline “Compassionate Children Lead to Compassionate Adults”.

Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often move on to violent acts against their fellow humans. A World Society for the Protection of Animals study found that 75 per cent of violent criminals interviewed had been abused as children, with many saying that they in turn abused animals. Said one, “I beat animals to get back for the beatings I got”.

Teaching compassion to a child means securing a healthy future for him or her”, says Raveena. “A compassionate child grows up to be a compassionate adult. Most children naturally feel concern and affection for animals but learn cruelty from society and often lose sight of their compassion.”

Because domestic abuse is directed towards the powerless, animal abuse and child abuse often go hand-in-hand. A Times of India article warned parents to take action if their children torture and kill companion animals, other animals and insects. In a survey of 23 British families with a history of animal neglect, 83 per cent were identified by experts as having children at risk of abuse or neglect. Children raised in violent homes may in turn direct violence at the only individual in the family more vulnerable than themselves: an animal. If unchecked, this abuse can later escalate to abuse of other people.

Law-enforcement officials also understand the importance of preventing cruelty to animals. Maharashtra’s former director general of police, D.S. Soman, says, “I feel we must begin preventive measures in childhood, in our efforts to reduce crime and build a healthier society. Humane education is a key component to any preventive programme”. 

In an effort to break the cycle of violence and instill compassion at an early age, PETA has developed a humane education programme called “Compassionate Citizen”, which has been sent to schools throughout the country. The Compassionate Citizen programme and video are free to any school that asks for them. The printed materials enhance students’ understanding that animals are living, feeling beings to be treated with respect and kindness. The kit contains a teacher’s guide, four reproducible activity masters, a reading unit with adaptations from true animal stories and a full-colour wall poster.

A copy of PETA’s new anti-violence ad is enclosed. For more information, please visit the Web site www.petaindia.com.

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