HUMANE education kits were rushed into several schools in Launceston after local teenagers allegedly killed a hedgehog.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have warned that animal abusers’ behaviour is likely to escalate unless stopped.

After hearing that a group of teenagers allegedly filmed themselves kicking a hedgehog to death, PETA rushed emergency humane education materials to primary schools in the area to prevent future instances of violence.

PETA’s educational materials are designed to help children of all ages recognise the importance of compassion and empathy for all living beings. The charity’s letters to the schools also point out that experts in mental health and law enforcement consider the disregard for life and a desensitisation to suffering evidenced by all forms of cruelty to animals to be red flags for other kinds of violence.

Director of PETA Elisa Allen, said: “PETA wants to prevent any further acts of cruelty. Instilling empathy in children and teaching them to respect others, human and non-human, is vital. The safety of the whole community depends on it.”

PETA’s letters to the schools are available upon request. For more information or to order a free humane education pack visit PETA.org.uk