Animal Abuse

Is it just me or are there a lot more instances of animal abuse being reported in the news? Am I more aware of it after my Camp Katrina experience, is the news media more aware that animal stories will sell papers – or viewers? Or is there just more of this happening, just as it seems there are more of all other types of crimes?
Either way, it is bringing attention to this terrible thing. From animals being abandoned to a cat wrapped in duct tape like a mummy to hoarders having dozens of animals and not caring for them, to pets being stolen and killed, there is at least one story in the news just about every day.
That’s disturbing. That’s disturbing not just because of the suffering the animals, and the owners of the pets must go through, but because it indicates a general trend towards an absence of caring, of feeling, of doing things for more thrills, ‘just for kicks’ that seems to be happening in our society. Or, in the cases of the perpetrators, the absence of society. In so many of the cases, we are reminded that people who commit crimes against people often start out with crimes against animals.
Today’s news reported a story of two teens who tortured and killed a dog, and were given sentences that included community service, getting a GED, a few days in jail – enough of a return for a dog’s life? Enough of a lesson that they did wrong? Most of those who commented did not think so. I don’t. What would be enough? Apart for being put into a small room with a few animal rescuers with tire sticks and broom handles, I’m not sure. But there’s got to be something.
Meanwhile, those of us who do care can do something. We can be on the lookout for animal abuse instances and report them. We can try to educate young people. We can get involved. And maybe it will save a life and cure another. Maybe.
Spay and Neuter! Hmm – maybe spaying and neutering a few people – oh, that’s just too radical, but don’t we all have a story about seeing or knowing someone that it wouldn’t be the worst idea for?