08 July 2009

HSUS


If there is one thing I cannot tolerate it is cruelty to animals. Sure, accidents happen but for those out there who deliberately harm, mutilate, and kill innocent animals I think the charge should be a felony, not a misdemeanor and the punishment should be death.

Case in point: an Ohio firefighter (!) has been indicted for shooting his two dogs because he [supposedly] couldn't afford to board them when he went on a cruise. He took them into his basement, suspended them from a pipe, and shot them at least 11 times. He then wrapped the bodies in plastic and dumped them in the trash bin behind his fire station.

This monster was sentenced to 90 days jail time (to be served in 10-day increments) over a two year period. He has to pay $4500 restitution, perform 200 hours of community service, and had to write a letter of apology to be published in the local newspaper and the International Association of Firefighters magazine. WTF?! He is also forbidden from being in contact with companion animals for five years. He got off lightly. he should be shot. Eleven times sounds good.

Humans should be the caretakers of animals. In religious texts it states that man was given dominion over animals. Many believe that this just means we are superior when in actuality it means we have a responsibility to care for these innocent creatures.

I have supported the Humane Society for years. The opening sentence in their statement of nonviolence and mission statement say: “The very foundation of The Humane Society of the United States is to protect animals from suffering and cruelty caused by human actions.” The HSUS does its utmost to prevent cruelty, provide resources for animals in the event of disasters, provide educational and adoption opportunities and is an advocate for animals. And not just cats and dogs, but for farm animals and wild animals as well.

If you are an animal lover, such as myself, I encourage you to check out the HSUS website http://www.hsus.org/ and consider supporting this admirable organization.
BEHR HUGS!


1 comment:

Stephen said...

I feel guilty that I can watch stories about 25 people being blown up by a car bomb in Iraq & I feel bad... but I can't watch the infomercial about Polar Bears, or Sarah McLaughlin's infomercial for The USA Humane Society without becoming a blithering, crying mess.
This firefighter deserves the worst. This story has devestated me.