Dear Editor,
As the days go by, we are witnessing the loss of values and ethical standards for the ones who are voiceless in our society, the animals. Many have penned missives against the gruesome brutalities that are meted out daily against animals: some are killed; some in various areas are left to die on the roadways following accidents; some suffer at the hands of those who enjoy festivals by using firecrackers with no significance to any celebrations.
One must commend those who strive to make the lives of these animals comfortable by providing them with shelter and food, whether temporary or permanent, and those who support them in one way or the other. Certainly, for many, the law seems not to be on their side. While many cases have been reported, serious punitive action has never occurred because some of those in the system are of the view that there is no way the perpetrators can be held accountable for their irresponsible actions.
However, recently, Magistrate Azore imposed a fine on a man who unlawfully and maliciously killed a tomcat. The magistrate must be commended for her stance against such brutality, and others in the judicial system are encouraged to stand up and use the same legal principle and institute charges against others. No more should we allow some in the society to brutalise animals in whatever form, and let the cruel and bestial humans escape the wrath of the law.
Recently, a driver, at around three or four in the morning, ran over three sleeping animals with a heavy-duty vehicle in Eccles. It was gruesome and barbaric, to say the least, for a human to even think about this, much less engage in it. No company should employ any driver with such a temperament; that person is not even fit to be the holder of a driver’s licence. That driver should stand before Magistrate Azore to face the consequences of his actions. What could have gone through his heart to do that to innocent sleeping animals? I guess he would have to answer for that sometime.
Moreover, as this missive is being written, another case of brutality occurred in the same village, when a construction worker kicked an innocent dog down a 20-foot-high building. Hats off to the Tails of Hope animal activist group for saving the animal, and to the Guyana Police Force for responding to the scene and take the necessary actions. Kudos to Ms Shari Rodrigues and the team for saving the life of that animal and many other animals.
On a road trip on the coast, one would encounter many animal corpses, both large and small, with some even being in a badly decomposed state. This is unhygienic, unaesthetic, and indicates a lack of care and responsibility on behalf of the drivers. And more so, if an accident occurs and an animal dies, it is the responsibility of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to have it removed and properly disposed of. This should be catered for in their budgetary allocation.
The animals, especially the dogs, have had terrible experiences during the last Diwali celebrations, and with the coming of Christmas and New Year festivities, this nonsense of lighting firecrackers will again result in the deaths of many of the dogs in our communities. It must be noted that these firecrackers are illegal, and persons can be charged for having them in their possession for either use or sale.
Interestingly, very many firecrackers lit the sky during Diwali celebrations, but no one was reportedly charged for using them, and as has happened, this trend might very well continue. Dogs are known for their olfactory prowess, and while the sound may not affect some, it does with others, sometimes damaging their eardrums and causing them to find any means to escape, even jumping from high buildings. These firecrackers are sold along the pavement in the streets of Georgetown, open to all and sundry; even in the presence of our law enforcement officers.
We all should understand that animals have evolved over the years to have better and more accurate senses in touch smell, sight and hearing. Hence, when you abuse them, they have feelings too, and we should show some respect for them. I believed that their experience is far more damaging than the ‘Havana Syndrome’; just that they cannot explain. Let us join hands to protect those that are voiceless yet caring and loving.
Sincerely,
Dr Theresa Jaikishun
