Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Curriculum (B.A.R.C.)

Developed by the Susie Spector Foundation, B.A.R.C. is a unique on-line course designed to educate and rehabilitate individuals who have in some way mistreated animals. B.AR.C.’s educational and informative curriculum is designed to inspire a positive change in behavior by increasing awareness of the value and needs of all sentient beings. The goal of the B.A.R.C. program is to ensure that those who have harmed animals in the past do not repeat their behavior.

The B.A.R.C. program highlights the legal, moral, financial, and practical day-to-day commitments required of those who own or keep animals. Participants in the course learn that animals, like humans, experience a range of emotions, and are capable of physical pain and suffering. The curriculum covers such topics as changes in society’s attitudes towards animals; the growing involvement of law enforcement agencies in animal protection; a description of the various laws that exist to protect animals; the responsible care of animals; the pros and cons of pet/animal ownership; and when and how it is acceptable to relinquish a pet. Specific subjects, such as illegal animal fighting and hoarding, are also addressed.

Information acquired by B.A.R.C. participants is reinforced through a series of quizzes that are given throughout the curriculum. Participants are also required to pass a final examination with a minimum score in order to receive credit for taking the course.

Referrals to B.A.R.C. come from prosecutors, judges, animal control professionals, and probation officers. B.A.R.C. is appropriate for both juveniles and adults.

For more information, visit www.BARCeducation.org, or read some of our interesting articles located on our B.A.R.C. in the News page.