Studies show that by offering Humane Education to our youth, they develop a more sophisticated and solid moral structure, and they will come to enjoy education more, resulting in higher attendance, more participation in the field of science, lower drop-out rates, improved achievement scores, and the adoption of a less-violent conflict resolution technique.

We have failed as a society when it comes to how we view our companion animals.  We still have self-serving, uninformed people who have litters of puppies and kittens, convincing themselves that they aren't part of the problem.  Meanwhile, millions of animals die every year as a result of this stubborn, ignorant mentality.  Humane Education helps children use their creativity, imagination, compassion, and intellect.  There are ideals that must be broken through and overcome before we can begin to address them, primarily the attitudes toward animals.    They learn that to correct a problem of supply (excessive birth) and demand (too few available homes), the sensible and cost-effective answer is to reduce the supply — not destroy the “excess”.    In addition, Humane Education teaches children the message of compassion and kindness, which boosts their self-esteem and teaches them that they are special and can reach their dreams.  Children who have experienced a painful situation, such as abuse, learn that the best way to realize their importance and power is to act out kindness (toward an animal or another person), rather than repeat the cycle of violence.  These acts of kindness open up a new world of positive reinforcement and self-esteem building traits.  Humane Education shows these children that there is a positive way of responding to painful situations.

Pet overpopulation is another important factor that is positively influenced through Humane Education. Shelters and pounds are still overwhelmed by the thousands of lonely, homeless pets who come in every day because of a simple problem:  people continue to allow their pets to have more and more litters. It is important that we share the valid and proven ways to solve these problems with those who will govern our nation in the future. 

Americans have the sophisticated technology and successful marketing prowess to make miraculous changes.  But yet, we can’t seem to successfully convey the reality of our selfish and irresponsible behavior “because it upsets too many people to hear the truth”.  In order to become a the "no-kill’ society with which many other industrialized nations of the world are presently finding success, we MUST think first in terms of “no excessive birth”. 

Humane Education will create a world where each child vows to spay or neuter their own pets, give their pets what’s best for the pet, not just what the human ‘wants’ them to have, and educate others to do the same.  In addition, these children will become part of a much less violent society.  The informed person will ALWAYS surpass those who ‘only assume’ and just continue on “because we’ve always done it this way”.

All information presented above has been gained through the reasearch of Jeanette Shutay, Ph.D., who is an assistant professor in research methodology and statistics in Illinois.   Future research interests include designing and implementing Humane Education programs into the Chicago Public Schools.