When 15-year-old Lincolnshire resident Lily Worfolk was asked to dissect a cow’s heart in class, she took a stand. Because dissection is required in A-level biology curricula, as set by the Department for Education, Lily launched a petition targeting Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan to call for an end to animal dissection in schools.
Lily also runs a magazine that sheds light on various issues affecting animals, and she used that platform to help net over 31,800 signatures for her petition. She’s encouraging her school to offer access to state-of-the-art software and sophisticated simulators, which save animals’ lives and offer a better learning experience.
Lily’s work has shined a new spotlight on the cruelty inherent in dissection, and to show our gratitude, we have awarded her PETA’s Compassionate Teen Award!
Every year, millions of animals – including cats, frogs, rats, mice and foetal pigs – are dissected in schools and universities around the world. Studies have repeatedly shown that virtual dissection is more effective for teaching biology than cutting up dead animals. And animals or parts of animals used in lessons typically come from biological suppliers that may breed and kill the animals themselves or acquire them from pet shops, abattoirs or animal dealers.
Lily’s compassion for animals and determination to create a better world for them is a wonderful example for other teens – and adults – to follow. Well done, Lily!
If you know any children or teens who go out of their way to help animals, please nominate them for an award. And if you are an educator, please order PETA’s education materials, which help teachers instil empathy in young people so that they will recognise their role in protecting animals from harm.
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