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George Woolsey, the President of the ASPCA in 1935, began his annual report of that same year with this sentence: “Those faced with the task of directing an animal protective society are forced to the conclusion that human nature improves slowly.”

Indeed, Mr. Woolsey, we can relate. What struck me most about this sentence is how very relevant it still was to the humane movement’s original intention of creating societal change in the way animals were perceived and valued; the movement was almost 70 years old at this point and still, the focus remained a simple “teach people to value pets and be kind.”

As such, in the period of time between the 1930s and 1940s, in the midst of the great depression and the recovery from it, animal welfare organizations were very much trying to identify what “their” issues were. Humane education, which from the beginning has been a core pillar of our movement, was developing a more formalized curriculum during this time period, revolving around the concept of teaching the value of animals and teaching kindness and appropriate treatment of them. This was more than just teaching children to be good pet owners; there was a component of perceived moral development that was very prevalent within the lessons themselves.

The humane ed curriculum from this time period is very interesting to look at. It encompasses everything from teaching children how to properly leash, walk and bathe a dog (as well as how to repair a leash, or improvise one!) to holding parades where horses can be appreciated simply for their presence and beauty. Humane ed was also purposefully incorporated into other subjects for children by organizations like the ASPCA, such as a series of slides dealing with geography of national parks that also described the animals and their needs living within those environments. This particular set of slides was said to be “exceedingly popular.”

Humane ed was incorporated into war efforts too, during the 1940s, with lessons revolving around treating animals that might be injured in any potential bombing and making bandages to send oversees.

Every communication from most major animal welfare agency had a humane ed component. You can see an ASPCA annual report from this time period and check out one for yourself here.

Below, you’ll find a popular video produced by the American Humane Association that was part of many humane ed curriculums in the 1940s. There is still very much a component of man’s dominion over animals portrayed here, even in addition to the title. Also, watch closely for the description and justification of the cat that is described to be euthanized at a later point.

I did, however, enjoy the dog getting a bath…although I’m not sure he felt the same. I’d love your thoughts!

-Audrey