Humane Education: A History of Teaching and Learning

We are proud of our efforts over the last 125+ years, to reach the young people of our community with a message of love and kindness to animals. In the 1880's the activities of the Rochester Humane Society gained momentum as it sought to instruct school children in the principles of humane treatment of animals. The society began to develop a national reputation as a leader in humane education. One outgrowth of its sponsorship of school essay contest was the formation, in 1884 of "Boards of Mercy" in the public and parochial schools.

During the half century following its official creation in 1897, the Humane Society of Rochester devoted its attention to two areas: coping with a surplus population of domestic pets and strengthening its humane education programs. During those years, society members contributed to humane education programs by traveling from school to school presenting "stereopticon" lectures. Over time, education programs became increasingly diversified. The traveling lecturer program was supplemented with school essay contest, junior members' list, and free distribution of books about animals. Humane education programs, which originated in Rochester, were widely praised and copied by humane societies throughout the United States.

The first Director of Humane Education was Mrs. E. D. Brown, a daughter of an early society president. She initiated the first "formalized" humane education programs. Later, C. Raymond Naramore, a local educator and humanitarian, used humane education as a way of stopping cruelty and abuse, using his own German Shepherd as a classroom visitor. One of Ray Naramore's most lasting contributions to humane education was the creation of Lollypop Farm.

Since 1980, Craig Walker has coordinated the Society's education programs initiating a new three week program and study guide called "Kindness in Action" and hosting monthly adult education seminars on various pet related topics.

Under his direction, thousand of K-6 students were exposed to information about pet care and responsibility. In recent years programs have been redesigned to make them more relevant to the learning styles of today's students.

As Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, moves forward, humane education will still comprise a large part of its work. The new shelter, completed in 1999, includes a barn that will allow visitors to view the farm animals year-round. There will be interactive educational displays throughout the shelter to educate the public on a variety of important topics. Educational visits to the schools will continue with the help of volunteers. Besides our outreach to students, the society will emphasize the education of local teachers.

As J.B.Y. Warner, President of the society from 1897 until 1918, declared nearly 100 years ago:

"It is fair to assume that a dollar spent in the humane education of children will accomplish more ultimate good than a dollar expended in the prosecution of some hardened wretch who unmercifully abuses dumb animals committed to his care. Create a strong public sentiment against cruelty and there will be fewer occasions when prosecutions are necessary."