Thaindian News

London, Nov 18 (IANS) Authorities in Australia’s Adelaide city have received reports that animals kept in schools have been bashed, squashed and even sexually assaulted.

Seven incidents in which an animal was killed or tortured have been reported to the education department, including one in which a steer (castrated bull) was sexually assaulted with a garden hoe. Fourteen other animals have died at the hands of the students themselves, the Adelaide Now reported Thursday.

The education department had earlier asked schools to report such incidents as part of a new system to ensure the welfare of animals in school care.

Robert Brokenshire, member of the legislative council of the Family First party, found out about the incidents using the Freedom of Information legislation.

“These incidents are particularly distressing for students and teachers, who care for these animals kept in schools for educational benefit,” Brokenshire said.

Other reports include theft of two rabbits, loss of a tortoise, loss of two other rabbits, crushing of a guinea pig and drowning of a duck with a broken leg.

Animals which died under the care of students were a cockatiel, Mexican walking fish, sleepy lizard, turtle, hermit crab, budgerigar, goldfish, five other fish and a frog and one tadpole.

A department spokeswoman said security in the schools has been reviewed.