The draft resolution, whose discussion in plenary was scheduled for the 18th, recommends that the Government "review the National Strategy for Education for Citizenship" so that the domain of 'animal welfare', currently optional, becomes "mandatory, preferably in all study cycles of basic education".
The party also appeals to the executive to "develop an education framework for animal welfare autonomous and independent from the current Environmental Education Framework for Sustainability or any other framework of education, in compliance with the provisions of the Decree -Law No. 27/2016, of 23 August".
The PAN parliamentary group also recommends the creation of a working group "for the elaboration of this framework, which integrates relevant professionals and citizens from the areas of Education, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine, among others, as well as specialists in well-being and animal behaviour, including representatives of animal protection associations".
The PAN party argues that "recent episodes have brought to public knowledge, in Portugal, environmental and animal massacres that demonstrate the failure of the State to protect ecosystems, species and pets" and argues that, "to help to combat this reality, there is an urgent need to ensure the awareness and education of all in this area".
The deputies recall that, although the "need to guarantee 'the integration of concerns with animal welfare within the scope of Environmental Education, since the 1st Cycle of Basic Education' was established in a decree-law, after four years it is said that this has been manifestly insufficient and pedagogical references that implement the legislation in question are not yet known".
NOTE: California State Education Code 60042 mandates that "humane education and kindness to animals" be taught in the state's public schools, K-12. Could be a good model for PAN.
By Eric Mills from USA on 06 Feb 2021, 18:16
I'm sure we can all get behind that. Well done PAN.
By George from Other on 06 Feb 2021, 18:21
Absolutely. This needs to be taught while children are young.
By Almalee from USA on 07 Feb 2021, 19:44
This should have been taught in schools about 100+ years ago, but like anything that is needed, for the betterment of all living beings, it takes as much as an act of congress to put in place something so imortant
By Alafair from USA on 07 Feb 2021, 21:10
I do agree that animal welfare should be taught in schools that children can be educated and become aware of such inhumane practices that occur on animals from farm factories and other types of inhumane practices from medical to cosmetic and fur and countries that have to have cuisine food from animals that suffer even more.
By Christine Anne eyestone from USA on 08 Feb 2021, 01:53
"Animal welfare" preconized by PAN? Maybe PAN politicians should be the ones to go to school to learn "how not to throw "Animal welfare" under the bus when it comes to facing our Portuguese air company TAP". Those who cannot do, indeed they like to teach...ridiculous people. Ppl who care DO smthg, as opposed to PAN who likes to talk plenty and persecute the little guy but protects TAP. You PAN politicians are gross.
By guida from Lisbon on 08 Feb 2021, 06:37
I think this is great news. There is far too much cruelty to animals and damage to the world of nature, so education would be a help in stopping this.
By Steve Andrews from Other on 08 Feb 2021, 13:28