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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2017 - 12:42:59 PM |
Dawne Bullard, EARTHCARE Eco Kid rides a horse at Ol' Freetown
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Freeport, Grand Bahama - The topic on March 5th for the EARTHCARE Eco Kids Saturday Environmental Education Programme was “Humane Treatment of Animals.”
Gail Woon, Founder of EARTHCARE and a Director of Save The Bays, says, “Our guest speaker was Tip Burrows of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama, “The interaction between animals and humans is at the heart of humane education. It is all part of our concern for the well being of our planet; over the use and often, abuse, of the animals, plants and natural resources we share the earth with.
Why is the humane treatment of animals important?
Because they are also intelligent, sentient (self aware) beings, just like us. They feel happiness, sadness, pain, hunger, thirst…just like us. They have hearts, brains, lungs, etc., just like us. Because it’s morally and ethically wrong to mistreat, neglect, abuse, torture, tease or otherwise harm another living creature.
Gail Woon, Founder of EARTHCARE introduces guest speaker, Tip Burrows
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HUMANE definition: marked by compassion, sympathy or consideration for humans or animals.
The FIVE FREEDOMS all animals are entitled to:
1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from fear and distress
3. Freedom from discomfort
4. Freedom from pain, injury and disease
5. Freedom to behave naturally
Basic responsibilities for pet owners include but are not limited to:
1. Vet care
2. Prevention of parasites and disease
3. Good quality, species appropriate food
4. Clean, cool fresh water at all times
5. Comfortable living conditions (protection from the elements)
6. Companionship and LOVE
Animal cruelty is against the law.
We discussed various types of animals, how to best maintain pets. Our EARTHCARE Eco Kids will learn about mangroves, pollution, habitat destruction, sustainable fisheries, climate change, invasive species, and today, the humane treatment of animals.
EARTHCARE Eco Kids on Humane Treatment of Animals.
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“EARTHCARE would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our guest speaker, Tip Burrows from the Humane Society of Grand Bahama and the entities that made this programme possible including but not limited to Kevin Tomlinson Academy, H. Forbes Charter & Tours, George and Sissel Johnson, Owners/Operators of Ol’ Freetown Farm, Havana and Savanna Gibson, EARTHCARE Eco Kids Team Leaders, Tyrie Moss, EARTHCARE Facilitator, the parents, guardians and teachers.”
Sarah Gardiner, EARTHCARE Eco Kid said, “It was amazing and phenomenal!!! My first time on a horse and I loved it!!” Tylea Manchester, EARTHCARE Eco Kid added, “I enjoyed the day at the farm. My favourite part was when I fed the goats.” EARTHCARE Eco Kid, Rachelle Manchester said, “I have visited the farm several times before so I expected the same routine, and only went because I love seeing the animals but I was surprised at how much more I learned.”
Tip Burrows, Humane Society of Grand Bahama with EARTHCARE Eco Kids at Ol' Freetown Farm
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At the Ol’ Free Town Farm, the students learned about the many animals there. Owner, George Johnson, a veteran farmer, gave an educational tour, during which the students saw the Inagua donkeys, many types of chickens, and other birds. The students were amazed by the many animals on the farm including a pot bellied pig named Patches who was hand raised as a family pet, many different varieties of chickens, turkeys, peacocks, rabbits, guinea pigs, and Abaco boars. George’s wife, Sissel Mosvold-Johnson orchestrated the horse rides which the majority of our students tried. Horseback riding lessons are available at the Farm. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are committed to the proper treatment of animals and firmly believe that educating our children on their methods of farming, that our youth will be mindful of practices that are environmentally and animal friendly when making choices about what they eat and how they treat animals.
At Ol’ Freetown Farm fresh organic eggs from free range chickens are available. No hormones or artificial ingredients are used in the chicken feed. The farm grows organic greens and vegetables including kale, parsley, beans, broccoli, dill and tomatoes, to name a few.
Tylea Manchester riding a horse at Ol'Freetown Farm
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EARTHCARE Founder,Gail Woon was elated, “The EARTHCARE Eco Kids Environmental Educational Programme continued with an exciting and successful field trip on Saturday, with a lesson in best practices in animal husbandry and a visit at the Ole Freeport Farm.”
The programmer runs from October 2016 through April 2017 with the sessions being followed by a related field trip. Students will receive certificates at the completion of the programme.”
Solutions - What you can do:
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Learn about the proper care and attention that a pet needs, then if you and your family have the time and the resources to properly care for and love a pet, consider adopting a rescue animal from the Humane Society.
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Take classes that are animal friendly such as a bird watching class.
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If you see an animal being mistreated report it to the Humane Society.
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Volunteer at the Humane Society, at a veterinarian’s office or a farm.
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After you have educated yourself, spread the word and, teach your friends.
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Don’t buy a ticket to captive marine mammal shows.
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Write letters to Government if you have concerns about what our Government is doing with regard to the Humane Treatment of Animals in the Bahamas.
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Start or sign a petition about your issue.
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Join an environmental NGO (Non Governmental Organization) such as EARTHCARE, Humane Society of Grand Bahama, Bahamas National Trust, Save The Bays, Friends of the Environment, BREEF and many others.
Tip Burrows speaks to EARTHCARE Eco Kids
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For more information on the EARTHCARE Eco Kids Programme, contact: “EARTHCARE”<earthcare.bahamas@yahoo.com>, or call 727-0797.
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Tip Burrows, Humane Society of Grand Bahama with EARTHCARE Eco Kids at Ol' Freetown Farm
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Tip Burrows of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama teaching the EARTHCARE Eco Kids
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George Johnson, Owner, Ol' Freetown Farm speaking to EARTHCARE Eco Kids
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EARTHCARE Eco Kids leaving for the field trip to Ol' Freetown Farm
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