Food for Thought

Just about everyone, except for the most sadistic members of our species, is against cruelty to animals. But there are many levels of cruelty that you may not think about or even be aware of. We all agree that actual violence is cruel and we’re all shocked at the starvation, abandonment and killing of innocent animals.

But what about the family in your building who complain because you’re feeding stray cats in the yard? Or the young couple with the new baby who take their ten-year old cat to the shelter because they’re afraid to have a cat around the baby. Aren’t these cruel acts? They’re certainly not kind.

Let’s take this a step further. What about the starving stray cat on the street corner who follows everyone home, begging for food and attention. Isn’t the very act of ignoring this animal a level of cruelty?

And what about the people who see a wounded animal on the side of the road and drive on by without stopping to help. Or the people who keep their dog on a three-foot chain in the yard day and night? How about the people who take a nice vacation every year, but “can’t afford” vet care for their pet, with the excuse “it’s expensive?”

Think about it—and don’t be afraid to speak in defense of animals when you see cruelty in any form.