Animals

The Internet delivers an astounding array of images and ideas into homes across the world—but not all of these images are particularly animal-friendly. In the United States, individuals have the constitutional right to free speech, which includes the right to discuss and advocate for animal abuse in public forums like the Internet.

Unfortunately, some of what is being shown online crosses into the realm of illegal activity. Rest assured, animal cruelty is a crime in every state—if people go beyond discussion and actually practice what they preach, they can be prosecuted for animal cruelty...

Countless dogs languish on chains in their owners' yards every day. Dogs are inherently social animals, and too many dogs are relegated to this empty life. Dogs who live tethered outside often become lonely, bored and anxious and can develop territorial and aggressive behaviors.


1. What is meant by "chaining" or "tethering" dogs?

These terms refer to the practice of fastening a dog to a stationary object or stake, usually in the owner's backyard, as a means of keeping the animal under control. These terms do not refer to the periods when an animal is walked on a leash.

2. Is there a problem with...

Some 7th graders decided to take a unique approach when they found out about the largest slaughter of marine mammals on the planet. Kristen Kullberg, a teacher at Washington DC's Sacred Heart School, was so moved by Rebecca Aldworth's account of witnessing the beginning of the seal hunt that she wanted to share it with her class.

After a long morning of standardized testing, Ms. Kullberg had her kids copy ten words off of the board: carnage, slaughter, macabre, vessels, sealer, quota, aftermath, allotted, salvation, and carcass.

"I told them that I would be reading them a scary, gruesome tale,"...