Recent articles in the media have reported terrible cases of cruelty to animals. One case involved a dog that died because it was kept locked in a cage, without exercise, food, or water. Another involved a man who beat a small dog to death to stop it from barking while he was watching TV. Write a letter to the SCMP discussing the problem of animal cruelty in Hong Kong and suggesting three ways to promote responsible pet ownership.
Dear Editor,
Recently, articles about abandoned animals and animal maltreatment have been copiously reported. Many people accuse the owners of their irresponsibility and ruthlessness. However, these practices still happen every day. This disheartening fact indicates that the problem of animal cruelty in Hong Kong is serious. If actions are not taken, Hong Kong will become the grave of many adorable and innocent pets. Therefore, I am writing to discuss the problem of animal cruelty and to suggest ways to promote responsible pet ownership.
Pets used to be the apples of our eyes. We treat them as our family members and friends. However, along with the increasing pressure from busy life in this urban jungle. People lack time and love to take care of their pets. As a result, these pets cannot receive sufficient care or even the basic needs – water, food and exercise. In some extreme cases, their owners abandon them or give vent to them. According to some authorized statistics, over 170 cases involving animal cruelty have been reported every year and the number is still swelling. This reveals the gross problem of animal cruelty in Hong Kong nowadays. It seems that the pets are treated nothing more than toys. When they fail to please their masters, they will be abandoned or abused. Their owners simply do not respect them so they are treated in whatever way their owners like. This violation of responsible pet ownership must be eliminated; otherwise, many unsettling phenomena will continuously come into our eyes.
To begin with, TV programmes and advertisements are the best media to bring people’s attention to the importance of responsible pet ownership. For now, the number of TV programmes and advertisements about animal cruelty is still far from adequate. Hong Kong citizens lack information on the problem of animal cruelty. Even though we can read the news telling us how the owners are iron-hearted and apathetic, we rarely think about how we can help to stop the problem or consider what responsible pets ownership is. However, with the educational programmes and advertisements on TV which tell us the seriousness of problem in Hong Kong, the suggestions and views from authorities, the fate of the abandoned animals and the most important message – to be a responsible owner. It is likely that people’s sense of mercy will be stirred up and the concepts on responsible pets ownership planted.
Apart from the TV programmes and advertisements, legislation is of paramount importance when it comes to promoting responsible pet ownership. In 2006, there has been a substantial increase in penalties for animal cruelty with a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years. However, sad but true, many offenders are only charged with light penalties or community service orders. This indicates that the deterrent effect of the law is too low. People do not take animal cruelty seriously. Therefore, many people will continue to abuse their pets. To put a halt to this, heavier penalties and stricter enforcement of the law are overwhelmingly important. It is essential to send a message that animal cruelty is as serious as human abuse, because animals’ lives are as valuable as humans. As a result, pet owners will understand it is a legal responsibility for them to take good care of their pets.
Last but not least, the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) plays an important role in promoting responsible pet ownership. Through training courses and campaigns, pet owners can learn the right attitudes towards their pets which are not merely toys, but creatures worth respecting. Besides, with the educational talks, Hong Kong citizens can learn to respect life, even though it is only a puppy or a cat. As respect is the most important ingredient for building up responsible pet ownership, the actions of the SPCA can help tremendously with an abated likelihood of having animal cruelty. It is foreseeable that Hong Kong citizens will all be responsible pet owners.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong.
Chris Wong