There's Always A Way

Today I was looking at Galen's Weekend-Engagement writing prompts, to see what he came up with this time and saw a topic that I think needs exposure and that is animal cruelty.

Cruelty to animals, also called animal abuse, animal neglect or animal cruelty, is the infliction by omission (neglect) or by commission by humans of suffering or harm upon non-human animals. More narrowly, it can be the causing of harm or suffering for specific achievements, such as killing animals for entertainment; cruelty to animals sometimes encompasses inflicting harm or suffering as an end in itself, referred to as zoosadism. source

You probably read in some of my previous posts how affected I am by animal cruelty but not only. Even selling a horse can be hard for me to understand. I get attached to them and feel sorry for each of them. But let's go back to the original topic, which is animal cruelty.

20220827_082733a.jpg

Animal cruelty refers to hurting animals but hurting them can have different forms, even though some of these forms are not clear to many.

Nowadays it's very comment to have pets, even if you live in a very small apartment. Elder people choose to have a cat or a dog, to have someone to talk to, to care for. It's not a bad idea as many times these pets are the only one they can talk to all day.

I used to see them walking their dogs regularly while jogging and they were the ones I feared the most. Why? Because most of the times they have no idea how to control their dogs. They chose small size dogs, to be able to deal with them, but that doesn't mean the dog will listen to you. The temperament of the dog should take priority over size. Just as you can't train a St. Bernard to be a race dog, you can't expect a Jack Russell to stay calm all day.

Jack Russells are first and foremost a working terrier. Originally bred to bolt foxes from their dens during hunts, they are used on numerous ground-dwelling quarry such as groundhog, badger, otter, and red and grey fox. The working JRT is required to locate quarry in the earth, and then either bolt it or hold it in place until they are dug to. To accomplish this, the dog will not bark but will expect attention to the quarry continuously. Because the preservation of this working ability is of highest importance to most registered JRTCA/JRTCGB breeders, Jack Russells tend to be extremely intelligent, athletic, fearless, and vocal dogs. It is not uncommon for these dogs to become moody or destructive if not properly stimulated and exercised, as they have a tendency to bore easily and will often create their own fun when left alone to entertain themselves, leading to the semi-affectionate nickname among suburban pet dogs of- "Jack Russell Terrorist".

Their high energy and drive make these dogs ideally suited to a number of different dog sports such as flyball or agility. Obedience classes are also recommended to potential owners, as Jack Russells can be stubborn at times and aggressive towards other animals and humans if not properly socialized. Despite their small size, these dogs are not recommended for the condominium or apartment dweller unless the owner is ready to take on the daunting task of providing the dog with the necessary amount of exercise and stimulation. They have a tremendous amount of energy for their size, a fact which can sometimes lead to trouble involving larger animals. They may seem never to tire and will still be energetic after their owner has called it a day. While socialised members of the breed are friendly towards children, they will not tolerate abuse even if it is unintentional.source

I love Jack Russells, those are one of the cutest dogs, but their high energy level requires a lot of attention, so locking them in an apartment is definitely not the best way to treat them.

20220209_100730a.jpg

How many times we see dogs dragging the owner, which usually results in the owner scolding the dog, even beating it for not listening to their command. It's a common thing unfortunately and it breaks my heart when I see such behavior. As if exercising force can lead somewhere.

Keeping big size birds locked up without proper care can also be considered animal cruelty in my opinion. Some birds are hunters, predators by nature, they need space to fly and hunt, so locking them up can harm them a lot.

Taking care of a pet is an obligation. The quality of the care should be in accordance with the pet's need and not in accordance with what you can or willing to give them. You may be satisfied with yourself for walking a dog for 10 minutes a day but is that enough for them?

20220221_101503a.jpg

Overfeeding is also common, especially among older owners. Rewarding their four legged friends with food is for them a way of showing love. For the pet, such love can be life threatening, especially when their daily walk is short or non existent.

I could go on and on with examples, but I don't think it is needed. You know what animal cruelty is, you can see it every day, unfortunately and if you can't, you can consider yourself lucky.

20220420_104612a.jpg

The Solution

The purpose of this challenge is to find solutions to the problem. I have one, which many won't like. This idea has been in my head for a long time and I think it's not going to be implemented as a rule or law because it's easier to do nothing, or this matter will never be a priority.

What's the solution? I would give permission to keep pets only to those who have attended a special school or course. Teaching owners how to care for their pets is the only way. Teaching them how to handle their pets would save both of them from complications. Having the necessary environment for keeping pets should be a criteria when deciding if you can have a pet, or not. Obviously it's easier said than done as regular checks would be necessary in that case and legal ground as well, but it's not impossible.

A trained dog can not only be your best friend for life but can also save your life in case it is needed. Learning to train them should be a priority, as otherwise roles can easily be reversed and you find yourself on the wrong end of the equation, being dominated by your pet. Animal cruelty should be punished by law as well and taken seriously.

Till then, each individual should do what they can to eradicate animal cruelty. Take the time to learn how to handle your pets, learn about their needs and treat them well. Treat them as you would like to be treated.

If you're a newbie, you may want to check out these guides:


presearch



0
0
0.000
42 comments
avatar
(Edited)

This is interesting post and I enjoyed it. I got to learn about Jack Rusells dogs too.

Taking care of a pet is an obligation.

Exactly! It's just like adopting a child is an obligation and if you cannot take care of such a child, it's better not to adopt so it doesn't result in cruelty or child abuse.

Same with pets too. Anyone who is ready to own one should go for training and understand how these animals act and behave, what they want etc.

If one do not know how to train a pet, he or she isn't fit to keep one because such an individual won't see it as an obligation to cater for the need for the pets.
!LOLZ

0
0
0.000
avatar

Many parents don't know how to treat their child, let alone their pet. There's a long way to go but I hope one day animal cruelty can be eradicated.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I hope so too. They have feelings too and should be treated kindly.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I agree with you, here in Venezuela there is a saying: It's you and your pet not the pet and you. many times pets are adopted and we don't know how to educate them. Of course, this education would include the prevention of mistreatment of animals. Best regards.

0
0
0.000
avatar

The owner has to be educated firts, in order to be able to educate the pet. But, some think they know everything.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Animal cruelty is the worst, I have no respect for people who mistreat animals. The bad thing is that so many people that keep animals don't know the first thing about keeping them or the fact that it's a lifelong commitment.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I have no respect for them either and you're right, quite many have no clue how to care about their pets. They buy them, enjoy them till thei realize the responsibility that comes with a pet, then trouble starts. Sad.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Those who willfully mistreat animals for enjoyment or simply keep animals in situations that are not in the animals' best interest are garbage human beings.

0
0
0.000
avatar

True and they should be treated the same as they don't deserve more.

0
0
0.000
avatar
(Edited)

There's no excuse for animal cruelty, and those who do it, those who support those who do it, are filth.

0
0
0.000
avatar

This is a very interesting topic that is mostly avoided by people.

We do not really pay much attention to our pets as we mostly get them for a particular purpose. Once that purpose is being fulfilled we forget that there’s a need to care and treat our pets right.

Some people go to work all day and leave their dogs or cats indoors with no food or water. Some do it intentionally while others actually forget about it sometimes.

In my opinion, I think if one cannot care and dedicate time to our pets then there’s no need to have them.
I totally agree with you on this.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Some people go to work all day and leave their dogs or cats indoors with no food or water. Some do it intentionally while others actually forget about it sometimes.

That happens unfortunately and it's very sad. In some countries the heat is terrible, imagine leaving your dog or cat outside, without any shelter possibly or water.

In my opinion, I think if one cannot care and dedicate time to our pets then there’s no need to have them.

I agree with you. In some developed countries you can buy devices that feed and give water to your pet, while you're away, but even so, one should make time for these creatures. Leaving them alone all day every day is not good for them, especially in a small place, where they have no possibility of running or moving around.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I hope we as humans see the need to do better and act on it.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Yeah your solution makes sense, at least would be nice to work something around this, because many people that adopt or buy a pet aren't aware of the consequences of having an animal. Can be devastating to see how some of these animals are being treated.
Thanks for sharing Erikah

0
0
0.000
avatar

You are right. Small animals are always cute, then they grow and with that come the problems. And many are not aware or don't care about how to solve them.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Animal cruelty really hurt me so much..
This reminds me of what I saw yesterday while I going to work,a very beautiful kitten was beaten to death..I felt like crying..

The thing is over here in my country, the believe that some animals are used for evil is rampant,I think that's why that kitten had to suffer much..
So abolishing such mindset or tradition as this can also stop animal cruelty..

And like you said traing and good care can also go a long way..
Thank you for sharing 😊

0
0
0.000
avatar

What do you mean by "believe that some animals are used for evil"? I don´t understand this...

0
0
0.000
avatar

Lemme just give an example maybe it will help you understand.

A friend told me that at night they'll hear cry of cats at the window, that when it happens there's always a misfortune, that theyll all have to start praying against it.So it's a fetish believe were some persons believe this animals cause harm or are sent to cause harm to people.

I don't know if I'm a bit clear??

0
0
0.000
avatar

Wow. Thanks for the explanation, now I know what you mean. Hard to believe that some people still believe these myths and are even capable of hurting the animals because of that. I hope there are not many such people, maybe just in some rural remote areas?

0
0
0.000
avatar

Honestly over here ,so many people still believe in such. That's why the poor kitten I talked about earlier was killed ☹️☹️☹️.

0
0
0.000
avatar

The thing is over here in my country, the believe that some animals are used for evil is rampant,I think that's why that kitten had to suffer much..
So abolishing such mindset or tradition as this can also stop animal cruelty..

A few years in jail would abolish that quickly, trust me. Lock them up, all of them and you'll see the results. However, I don't see that to happen anytime soon in your country.

0
0
0.000
avatar

😊your very much correct.. No body cares about this people who hurt amimal..
I wish I can just do something about it, but it will be me against lots of people 😄

0
0
0.000
avatar

You know this topic is so sensitive to me that I actually hesitated for a while to even read this post and the comments. I cannot stand watching news about animal abuse, the anger and sadness after doing so usually linger in me for long hours or even days. So I generally try to avoid this topic but I did read your post and the comments and I´m so glad to see that everyone here seems to be on the same page with us. Your solution sounds interesting and makes sense but I think things could improve significantly by just making the laws (much) more strict. I know in some countries, animals can be still treated like lifeless objects, which is just heartbreaking... In my book, violence towards animals should be punished in the same way as violence towards people. No difference at all. Animals are living emotional creatures, just like us humans.

@tipu curate

0
0
0.000
avatar

I know what you mean, I'm the same. Can't even watch documentaries as I'm always afraid one animal can eat the other. Harm caused by humans is a different matter though.

Making the laws (much) more strict is a solution, but that does not guarantee people will take the time to learn how to care fr their pets, whatever type those may be. Regular checkups would also help as animal protection could step in before it's too late. Obviously some countries are in a better position as you can go to jail for a good few years but other countries are dealing with more pressing matters, so don't expect much on that front.

In my book, violence towards animals should be punished in the same way as violence towards people.

Amen to that! I'm with you on that.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Documentaries are fine with me, even those where predators catch and eat other animals because this how it works in nature. These are natural laws and we should respect them. But humans abusing animals for fun, profit or anything else, that´s a completely different story...

0
0
0.000
avatar

Valuable post.

Many injustices are done to animals.

I've been looking for my kitten for days. No one has seen her in the village and I guess something bad has happened to her. A few months ago I had to scold some teenagers who were running after other cats with sticks.

Hopefully one day we will all become aware of respecting people, animals and nature in general.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I'm sorry to hear your kitten is lost. I hope you can find her eventually.
You did good by scolding the teenagers, they need to learn to treat animals right.

Hopefully one day we will all become aware of respecting people, animals and nature in general.

That would be great! The sooner, the better.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I have a dog named “Summer” I felt guilty that I may have not given the best attention she deserved from me. I got her maybe 4 years ago from my student. If you are from the Philippines, she surely is no special because she is just an askal or aspin

askal - short for “Asong Kalye” or Stray Dog.
aspin - short for “Asong Pinoy” or Philippine Dog.

My mother and nephew feed her everyday. And if I have time, I also bathe her on weekends. Next time, I will have to think twice or multiple times if I am really capable of having a pet.

P

0
0
0.000
avatar

If you are from the Philippines, she surely is no special because she is just an askal or aspin.

That is terrible. Even stray dogs should be treated like humans.

Next time, I will have to think twice or multiple times if I am really capable of having a pet.

That's already a step forward. Maybe you can make some time to play with her or give her some attention.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I think she is 6years old now. 😍 Will give her attention esp if I am doing the laundry.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I don't really understand people who do such thing as inflicting harm and trauma to innocent animals. I can't do well with people like that, I want to lecture them if I only can but because sometimes they are older than me for sure they will just say that I'm a rude kid.
Some people just don't understand their importance and just treating them as an object that they can make fun or destroy. Even if there's a law in protecting them, sometimes that law is being bypass because that heartless person has money and connection so in the end, those animals with fangs are becoming fangless.
I hope that one day all people can learn to love and value them. They have a great role in our life if we can just see their importance.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I can't do well with people like that, I want to lecture them if I only can but because sometimes they are older than me for sure they will just say that I'm a rude kid.

Basic education should be enough for them, but it looks like it is lacking. The law should step in and teach them a lesson for life, to understand that by hurting animals they are becoming abusers and criminals.

0
0
0.000
avatar

I agree to that one. Teaching them once more about this kind of things is really necessary for them to know that what they are doing is bad at all.

0
0
0.000
avatar

Nice post. And I can I see that you really enjoy your weekend. Thanks for sharing.
Greetings

0
0
0.000
avatar

Thank you and have a nice day.

0
0
0.000