Norm Hewitt supports SPCA educational programme on violence

He was there to speak to Year 7 and 8 students as part of the One of the Family campaign, an SPCA educational programme that aims to teach empathy and raise awareness about the links between animal abuse and human violence.

Norm was joined by Shelley Ryan, the SPCA’s national educational coordinator, and both created a fun atmosphere while at the same time teaching important messages about caring and compassion.

Norm told the children about the effect domestic violence had on himself and his family and spoke about how his animals provided support and comfort to him during those dark times.

He says that by teaching children to care for and respect animals you are also teaching them to respect and empathise with each other.

“At this age group they are just starting to develop a social conscience and that is why we are targeting them and boys in particular because they are predominantly committing the most cruelty,” he says.

“By learning to care for animals they are also learning about social conscience.

“The aim of the programme is to start the conversation because we have to give the power back to the people making the decisions.

“I tell them that they have a choice and show them how I chose to break the cycle of violence.”

His message is that it does not take violence to be a good man and that kindness is powerful and fulfilling and reciprocated by the animals and people we extend it to.

Shelley Ryan says the changes you see as a result of the programme are amazing.

“It’s almost like you can see this light going off in their heads as they get the message and realize they have the power to choose what kind of person they want to be in the future.”

Unfortunately Te Awamutu is not immune to its own share of animal cruelty.

Waipa District Council Animal Control Officer, Vickie Byford, says that she sees a number of incidents of abuse and neglect in the course of her work.

“I have seen cases where people have abandoned animals after they become sick because their owners won’t get them treated,” she says.

“I have had to pick up skinny, elderly dogs with skin conditions such as mange that have got so bad the animal has no fur left.

“In another incident a litter of puppies had to get rescued when they were dumped in the river, thankfully they survived and we were able to re-home them.

“What really shocks me though is the number of beautiful, pedigree dogs who go missing and end up at the pound and no-one rings up looking for them.

“They are obviously someone’s pet and it is hard to understand why no-one is looking for them.”

If you would like to make a dog or cat one of your family the Te Awamutu SPCA has a number of animals waiting to find a loving home.

They are located at 229 Bruce Berquist Drive, Te Awamutu and are open 10am till 2pm daily.

They can be contacted on 8715222 or alternatively you can visit their webpage or find them on Facebook.