Indiana 4-H Animal Ethics Program

The purpose of the Indiana 4-H Livestock Program is to provide real-life educational opportunities that allow youth to develop livestock skills and learn about animal-related careers, and more importantly to learn what it means to be responsible for something other than themselves. This is only one part of a larger 4-H youth development program that aims to develop young people who will have a positive impact in their communities and the world. The main goal of the 4-H livestock program is to ensure 4-H members are learning to ethically raise, care for, and exhibit their animals to meet current food safety guidelines. Parents and other adult mentors play a significant role in this learning experience for youth. This online 4-H Animal Ethics Program was developed to provide educational tools to the adults who are working with 4-H livestock members. The goals of this program include:

  • Provide a foundation for 4-H families to start a conversation about livestock ethics and an understanding of why rules are in place.​
  • Ensure 4-H parents and adult mentors realize they are representatives of a larger livestock industry and give them tools to communicate effectively with the general public on behalf of that community.
  • Ensure animals in the Indiana 4-H Program are treated with the utmost care.​

4-H Animal Ethics Team

  • Courtney Stierwalt, 4-H Extension Specialist, Indiana 4-H
  • Amanda Veenhuizen, 4-H Extension Educator, Shelby County
  • Rebecca Wilkins, 4-H Extension Educator, Harrison County
  • Julie Wilson, 4-H Extension Educator, Randolph County
  • Dr. Marisa Erasmus, Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Sciences
  • Special Thanks to Aaron Fisher, program creator and former Indiana 4-H Extension Specialist

 

​​Online Animal Ethics Modules 

Animal grooming Assistance program

To enroll in the program, simply complete the 5 Animal Ethics and Adult Expectations online modules attached in the Qualtrics survey linked below, complete your application via this Qualtrics Survey, and also submit a copy of your Indiana driver’s license via the Qualtrics. All of these steps are done via Qualtrics Survey, so no paper applications are available. Once a background check is completed with no issues and verification of the completion of the Animal Ethics and Adult Expectations modules is ensured, you will receive an email beginning in mid-July confirming your participation.

Applicants must also complete the online Animal Ethics and Adult Expectations modules located in the electronic application annually. These modules are intended to reiterate the importance of providing a foundation for 4-H families to start a conversation about livestock ethics, understanding of why rules are in place, and also understanding the role of the approved animal groomer. The modules help to ensure 4-H parents and adult mentors realize they are representatives of a larger livestock industry and give them tools to communicate effectively with the general public on behalf of that community. Last but certainly not least, the modules ensure animals in the Indiana 4-H Program are treated with the utmost care.

All of the information is located in this Qualtrics Survey and once you submit this survey you will have completed all steps to officially enroll in the program for this year.

Once enrolled in the program, you will be able to assist any 4-H member from any county on any animal species. To be enrolled in the program for the Indiana State Fair, the application and modules must be completed by July 20 annually.

It is the intent that the 4-H member take responsibility for caring for and grooming his/her own animals. However, it is recognized that all youth need assistance. The purpose of this program is to provide an avenue for equal access to qualified animal grooming assistance. Those enrolled in this program should not see this as a way to do the work for the 4-H member, but should provide hands-on learning opportunities that further the skills and abilities of the 4-H member.

Please note that the program as described above is for the Indiana State Fair. While it is likely that some counties will adopt this policy for their county fairs, those decisions are made by the respective county 4-H councils and/or county 4-H fair boards. Please check with your County Extension Office for specific county fair rules.

4-H Educators will receive a list of Indiana 4-H Approved Animal Groomers to review as confirmation. Refer to local policies for specific deadlines.

 

For more information, please contact Courtney Stierwalt, dickerso@purdue.edu, 765-494-8435​