WHY do we do it?
I know I have written before about cruelty to animals, but I make no apology for that. It is a subject that I feel very strongly about. Violence against animals is cruel and unfathomable. It is just plain WRONG to inflict suffering on any living creature.
There has been an alarming amount of children committing acts of violence in our society over the past decade. Many of those people have a history of abusing animals. We are not born with a cruel gene. It develops as a consequence of environment and society. In 1905 Freud suggested that clinicians pay special attention to children who are cruel to animals. Animals kill for food and territory, but humans kill for sport, entertainment, fashion, and cosmetics. Although not all animal abusers become serial killers, most serial killers began their killing spree with animals.
People who abuse animals rarely stop there. Studies have shown that people who abuse animals are also likely to abuse their kids. Animal cruelty destroys respect for life. Children who witness animal cruelty are at greater risk of becoming abusers themselves. So if you see an animal mistreated or neglected, report it. Because the parent who comes home and kicks the cat is probably just warming up to beating the children or spouse.
Cruelty to animals and violence towards people has something in common - both types of victims are living beings. They feel pain, experience distress, and may die from their injuries. Violence - whether the victim has two or four legs, wings or fins - is violence and is not acceptable in ANY form.
BE A ROLE MODEL
Let your actions be a guide. Be kind to animals and let others know that hurting animals is wrong. Speak up for animals and urge others to do the same. Perhaps then we can help break the cycle of abuse for both animals and people.