At least 13 Miami-Dade high schools dissect cats although cheaper and more effective alternatives exist. Each cat costs between $32 and $82 and can only be used once. These cats are purchased from a company that sources gassed animals from shelters, while gassing animals to death is illegal in Florida.
On the other hand, computer based three dimensional dissections can be used over and over again. Studies even prove students learn more using computer programs than students using conventional dissections. In fact, teachers in other parts of Florida already found success using these programs when they were forced to phase out cat dissections a decade ago.
In addition to creating negative emotions, evidence indicates dissection fosters callousness toward animals and even stops some children from pursuing careers in science. Apparently, dissecting cats, our companion animals, can emotionally scar and desensitize our children. Using computer dissections will save money while improving our students' knowledge and well-being.
We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Miami Dade School system stops cat dissections. Dissecting cats, our companion animals, can emotionally scar and desensitize our children. Using computer dissections will save money while improving our students knowledge and well-being.
Reasons to stop dissections:
1. Each cat costs between $32 and $82 and can only be used once. These cats are purchased from a company that sources gassed animals from shelters, while gassing animals to death is illegal in Florida.
2. Computer based three dimensional dissections can be used over and over again. Studies even prove students learn more using computer programs than students using conventional dissections. In fact, Broward County was forced to phase out cat dissections a decade ago since they ran into problems with kids that had an emotional connection to a family pet, according to JP Keener, Broward County's Supervisor of Science Education.
3. Evidence indicates dissection fosters callousness toward animals and even stops some children from pursuing careers in science.
In the interim, please notify students and their families that they have the right to refuse to participate in dissections as per Florida Statute 1003.47.
By making these changes, students will learn more while schools save money.
Thank you for listening.
