Bunnies, rats, therapy dogs, tortoises, African frogs and pigeons are among a menagerie of animals that will head to the Animal Club at Hunter College Elementary School on the upper East Side, where kids can get up close and personal while learning the importance of treating animals humanely.

"A child who is taught respect of the nature of each living thing may not be so likely to exploit an animal on behalf of their own needs," said teacher Rebecca Kreinen, who created and runs the program, which is now in its second year.

Last year, the after-school program attracted about a dozen wide-eyed 6- to 11-year-olds from grades one through six to each of its scheduled meetings.

Bob the white rat was one of the year's most popular visitors. Despite his less than savory reputation, the charming rodent managed to prove just how lovable a pet rat can be.

His owners, Kendra Mara and TJ Kross, members of The New York City Rat Meetup Group, supported Bob's efforts to teach the kids the difference between a street rat and a pet rat, and why all living creatures deserve respect.

Feral cat rescuer Nancy Fahnestock, of the CSM Stray Foundation, demonstrated Trap Neuter Return (using a stuffed cat) and explained the importance of spay/neuter and microchipping to prevent pet overpopulation.

And wildlife rehabilitator Lorri Cramer of the New York Turtle and Tortoise Society warned that having a pet tortoise is a 50-year commitment, which can last through college and even becoming grandparents.

Kreinen says the class has given the students a better understanding of who they are as individuals by helping them see how they feel and think about the world around them.

She hopes other teachers will follow suit.

New York's humane education law, enacted in 1947, requires instruction in the humane care and treatment of animals.

Unfortunately, according to the League of Humane Voters of New York City, the law has not been enforced, and few educators know of it.

In September 2006, Queens Councilman Tony Avella introduced a resolution urging the city Department of Education to help schools comply with the law by issuing a memo to all public schools in the city.

The resolution, however, has yet to pass.

The recent news of NFL star Michael Vick's involvement in dogfighting presents the perfect opportunity to teach kids about animal abuse.

"Perhaps this will be the wakeup call to bring the issue of animal cruelty and other blood sports that go on worldwide into the public eye," Kreinen said. "Because if it is happening in a mansion in Virginia, what's going on down the block or even next-door?"

Real change in animal welfare, she says, does not come unless you can change hearts and minds of people.

Humane education's influence may be such that even if abuse is not completely eradicated, cruelty does not go unnoticed, unreported or unpunished.

For example, Kreinen said students who once enjoyed a trip to the circus decided they wouldn't go back after learning about the abusive treatment of some circus animals (see box below).

This year the kids will work with Susan Brandt, of Rational Animal, to produce public service announcements to promote helping animals at risk. They will also visit the Animal Care & Control shelters.

To help pass the Humane Education resolution (497), the League of Humane Voters urges the public to contact Council Speaker Christine Quinn at (212) 788-7210.

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