A rollercoaster of emotion will sweep animal lovers who read today’s Mercury.
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The initial reaction will no doubt be shock, followed by outrage, then hopefully a sense of justice and perhaps relief.
Shock at images of the starving dog, whom a veterinarian said had not been fed for nearly a month.
Outrage at the animal’s carers, who were each fined nearly $7000 for what expert witnesses described as one of the worst cases they had seen.
And, finally, a sense of justice over the fact the animal’s carers were held to account, and relief that the dog’s ordeal had ended.
It’s worth remembering that incidents such as this are symptomatic of a greater problem.
The Rutherford RSPCA animal shelter is still dealing with the aftermath of its own Christmas rush of sorts. It has been inundated with animals of all shapes and sizes.
Some were surrendered because they were too much of a bother. Some were classed an expensive luxury that needed to be discarded in favour of more presents under the tree. Some were, themselves, unwanted gifts.
With few exceptions, the RSPCA’s influx of homeless beasts points to one common denominator. A lack of human accountability.
When we adopt pets, we often fail to appreciate what an enormous responsibility we take on. We are given the power to define the world, and experiences, of another sentient creature.
Our pets see only what they can view from the place we confine them. They eat and drink only what we make available. Their only avenues for entertainment and learning are those we create. And we are their only outlets for companionship and affection.
Their lives are truly in our hands.