09-02-2014, 09:29 PM
A good article. I too have my misgivings about classroom pets. I see exactly what you mean, and from reading the article, it becomes clear that some of these creatures are not provided for in a respectful way.
A teacher bringing his/her own pet to school, occasionally, might be a better idea. Not all animals like young children, or trust them however, and even -for instance- a dog with the sweetest nature can become overwhelmed and defensive, faced with a sudden onslaught of 6 year olds, and treat groping hands much the same way that they would treat young pups who were annoying. While that is perfectly acceptable in dog society, and not even considered aggression among a 'pack' it is a different matter when a young child goes home with a cut or bruised hand! Litigation isn't far away.
Children also sometimes take no notice of fair warnings animals most often give before doing something more serious.
There might be some exceptions, but basically my opinion is it's a bad idea.
A teacher bringing his/her own pet to school, occasionally, might be a better idea. Not all animals like young children, or trust them however, and even -for instance- a dog with the sweetest nature can become overwhelmed and defensive, faced with a sudden onslaught of 6 year olds, and treat groping hands much the same way that they would treat young pups who were annoying. While that is perfectly acceptable in dog society, and not even considered aggression among a 'pack' it is a different matter when a young child goes home with a cut or bruised hand! Litigation isn't far away.
Children also sometimes take no notice of fair warnings animals most often give before doing something more serious.
There might be some exceptions, but basically my opinion is it's a bad idea.
