May 25, 2011

I realize that you have good intentions. I know of nursery schools that
have pet rabbits, or other small animals. The purpose of their bringing
in pets is to show the children how to take care of little critters,
how to value and respect their lives, and ultimately eventually how
to respect one another and grow emotionally as good human beings.

I wish to call it to your attention that bringing either roaches or
pigeons into an indoor environment is not without risk. A study recently
found that in areas where there are roaches there is a high rate of
asthma among children. Also, pigeons (not all pigeons) carry meningitus.
They look beautiful. Recently, I have seen amber pigeons in New York,
and others that are hybrids, which to a photographer would be magnificent
subjects. However, if they are near children, it is advisable to make
sure that children do not touch the pigeons. As a person who considers
myself an environmentalist and advocate of kindness to all animals,
I am sorry to give you such bleak news. It is better to be safe than
sorry.

The idea of bringing small animals into a school to be cared for
by the children is truly noble. However, it is important to be
cautious.

Blessings to you and yours!