Cuddling the class pet is cruel, RSCPA tells schools

Clutching the school guinea-pig or charting the growth of tadpoles in a jar has, for generations, been many children’s first encounter with the natural world.

But the practice of keeping animals in school is endangered and may even become extinct if RSPCA guidance is enforced. Allowing small children, and even smaller creatures, to interact during lessons can be cruel, according to the animal welfare charity.

It says that the shrieks and grabbing hands of affectionate but boisterous pupils make the classroom a frightening and noisy place for pets. The health and wellbeing of animals can suffer even further if they are entrusted to children for the weekend, or over the holidays.

Soft toys in the shape of animals are a much better introductionto fauna, the charity advises schools. Its guidance has been e-mailed to 16,000 teachers and promoted at education events.

Recent research by the RSPCA found that more than a quarter of schools keep animals. Two thirds have fish, but the rest boast a bewildering array of creatures. These range from hamsters, rats, rabbits and budgies to the more exotic water dragons, chinchillas and snakes to, in a few cases, cats, dogs, goats and a horse.

The RSPCA believes, however, that animal welfare can be taught in schools without keeping any creatures captive. Dave Allen, the charity’s head of education, said: “Welfare can be compromised. The school day is short — what happens to the animal the rest of the time? It can go from being loved to death to being left alone for the evening. Holidays and weekends are an even bigger issue. If the animal is going to different children each week the standard of care varies.”