Bill aims to ban students dissecting animals at California schools
Frog file photo. Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images.
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - A San Jose lawmaker along with animal and science advocates introduced a bill that aims to ban dissecting animals from school curriculum.
AB 1586, the Replacing Animals in Science Education Act, would replace dissecting animals with what the bill's authors call contemporary and humane teaching methods in line with industry standards and best practices.
"Learning about anatomy in schools is important scientific pedagogy but dissection presents a significant impact on the environment and our fragile ecosystems. Advancements in educational technology have expanded access to this important scientific instructional methodology without having to rely on animals," said Assembly Member Kalra in a news release.
"With the development technological alternatives, virtual and computer-based science teaching practicum offer more humane teaching methods that help to better prepare students for higher education and careers in science."
The bill would prohibit students - from kindergarten through high school - from dissecting animals.
Currently, the existing law allows students with a moral objection to dissecting to refrain and complete a different project with the teacher's approval.