SPCA Launches Campaign Against Abuse of Animals and Humans

The Royal New Zealand SPCA has recently launched a major educational campaign aimed at reducing violence against both animals and humans.

The campaign, titled 'One of the Family', focuses on raising awareness about the treatment of pets and other animals, with the hope of reducing cruelty and violence to animals and encouraging positive behaviour towards animals within the context of a safe, caring family. The link between animal abuse and family violence explicitly informs this campaign.

"Cruelty to animals is also an important indicator of inter-human violence. Many serious offenders commence their careers with sadistic acts against animals. Moreover, abuse or neglect of animals is often a symptom of general family violence or of children mirroring the violent behaviour meted out to them.

“The SPCA wants to see animals that are safe, secure and loved members of the human families whose homes they share. We also think that a family that truly cares for its animal members, will be a loving and responsible unit in which everyone is respected and children are safe," says the Royal New Zealand SPCA's National Chief Executive, Robyn Kippenberger.

The anti-abuse campaign involves a public awareness campaign around the links between animal abuse and family violence, and an educational programme for New Zealand schools, which will be rolled out over the next three years. The campaign is headed by former All Black Norm Hewitt, who, along with SPCA staff, will visit schools over the next few months.

"Through 'One of the Family', we hope to influence young people before negative patterns of behaviour become entrenched. We aim to show that caring for animals, and particularly your own family's pets, can be incredibly satisfying. And we want children to experience the sense of empowerment that comes from taking responsibility for a creature that is dependent on you.

"An animal friend will offer love and companionship and never criticise you, even when everyone else seems to be doing just that. It's a perfect way of learning about the rewards that come from loving relationships," she adds.

For more information about the campaign, see: www.oneofthefamily.co.nz