It is weird that a school would use THIS as a project. However, in the article, the idea that they should only live about 6 months maximum...would be about right for a Cornish, but they make it sound horrible. Talking about bloody clothes and blood on kids faces and this being animal cruelty..is just going a bit too far. Parental permission should have been obtained. Sounds like both sides were a bit screwy. Good for the girl for not going against her conscience either way.