A CHARITY has launched a new scheme to help teachers bring thought provoking animal welfare discussions into the classroom.

The RSPCA has started an innovative online service which offers resources to plan lessons in line with the primary and secondary science and citizenship curriculum.

The website, available at www.rspca.org.uk/education, provides printer-friendly schemes of work, which can be searched by subject and key stage. Each piece of work has been tried, tested and written by experienced teachers for teachers.

Colette McKiernan, national education manager at the RSPCA said: "Animal welfare is a gift to teachers as it's easy to engage children in lively debate on the issues and retain their interest.

"In 2001, 89 per cent of cases handled by the RSPCA were due to basic neglect and therefore education is key.

"If young people can be influenced through learning at an early age, society will benefit by better animal welfare and more responsible citizens."