Guisborough schools contacted by PETA after bird allegedly set on fire
The animal cruelty campaigners have written a letter to six schools in the town after a video allegedly showed pupils setting a bird on fire.
Animal cruelty charity PETA has written to six primary schools in Guisborough after a video allegedly showing a group of local youths attacking a bird was released.
The video reportedly shows a gang of youngsters, aged between 11 and 15, swinging the bird around by the neck and wings, before setting it on fire.
PETA have now offered to send educational materials to primary schools in the area, in an attempt to prevent future cruelty to animals.
Packs were sent to Chaloner Primary School, Belmont Primary School, Highcliffe Primary School, Galley Hill Primary, Saint Paulinus Primary School and Lockwood Primary School today.
The letter said:
"We were extremely saddened to hear reports about the recent incident in Guisborough, where a group of youths were filmed attacking a bird.
"No doubt this case has deeply upset young children in your school, and it is also likely that they are confused and frightened by this incident.
"It's important that they learn why cruelty to animals is wrong.
"Studies have shown a link between cruelty to animals and violence towards humans.
"People who commit violent acts against humans often have a history of hurting animals.
"Therefore, it is important that they learn why cruelty to animals is wrong."
All schools will receive the free packs to use in case any children have been affected by watching the video.