New York is one of a number of states that has an education law requiring instruction in humaneness. The Humane Education Act was passed in April 1917, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Ellin Prince Speyer and other women who sat on the New York State Humane Education Committee. (see the 1918 New York Times article "TEACH HUMANITY IN SCHOOL; Kindly Treatment of Animals to be Part of Curriculum.")

Humane Education is a general school requirement under section 100.2 (c) (8). All elementary schools receiving money from the state of New York, are required under section 809 (see pg 3) to give weekly instruction in the humane treatment and protection of animals and the importance of the part they play in the economy of nature as well as the necessity of controlling the proliferation of animals which are subsequently abandoned and caused to suffer extreme cruelty. The out of print New York State syllabus - "The Humane Treatment of Animals: A Guide for Elementary Teachers " may be found on the ny curriculum page with updates to aid in contemporary instruction.

Connecticut recently passed legislation mandating Humane Education and HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers) provides the text of the laws in other states about Humane Education and the humane study, treatment and care of animals in school settings.

"I ask for the privilege of not being born ...not to be born until you can assure me of a home and a master to protect me, and a right to live as long as I am physically able to enjoy life...not to be born until my body is precious and men have ceased to exploit it because it is cheap and plentiful." -Author Unknown

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