AR-News: (FL - US) Teacher who beat baby rabbits to death broke no rules, district says

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Teacher Who Killed Bunnies Broke No Rules, District Says
By JAN HOLLINGSWORTH jhollingsworth at tampatrib.com 
 
Published: Mar 30, 2004 


 
  
PLANT CITY - A Plant City High School teacher did not violate district policies or procedures last month when she used a shovel to kill two baby rabbits, according to school district investigators. 
The preliminary findings came Monday afternoon after Jane Bender, an agricultural science teacher, met with the district's Office of Professional Standards. 

Bender faced possible disciplinary action for dismembering the sickly newborns with a shovel in front of her students. 

``It appears to be an issue of student perception,'' said Mark Hart, spokesman for the Hillsborough County school district. ``One or more perceived that to be a cruel or inhumane act, but in point of fact, that's part of farming.'' 

The case received national attention, spawning a flood of e-mails to the district, most expressing concern about the method Bender used to euthanize the animals. 

Some supported the teacher's actions. 

``I got one today from a man in Pittsburgh who said if anyone should be reprimanded, it should be animal services,'' Hart said. 

Hillsborough County Animal Services has charged Bender with two counts of animal cruelty. The charges carry civil penalties of $310 per count. A court hearing is scheduled for May 5. 

``She has almost up to the time of the hearing to pay the court fines,'' said Dennis McCullough, investigations supervisor for Hillsborough County Animal Services. 

Bender told district investigators she plans to fight the charges, Hart said. ``She has retained a lawyer and apparently has at least one Plant City area veterinarian who will testify in her behalf.'' 

McCullough and officials for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay have said the teacher could have exercised more humane options. 

Although the school district likely will not discipline Bender, it might issue a letter of caution. 

``It's very important there be informed consent from students who will have to witness an animal being put down,'' Hart said. 

Bender, who has declined to comment publicly on the case, ``apparently gave the students the option not to watch,'' Hart said. ``One did opt out.'' 

The district may decide to ask students and parents to execute a release form in the future, indicating this could be part of the curriculum, he said. 

Superintendent of Schools Earl Lennard will make the final decision on disposition of the case when he receives a formal report and recommendations from the Office of Professional Standards. 


Tribune researcher Mike Messano contributed to this story. Reporter Jan Hollingsworth can be reached at (813) 754-3765.