If the headline song is in fact true, animals may be in trouble. In my 18 years of advocacy, I’ve come across so much cruelty that I’m no longer shocked; but I am continually repulsed
A recent story emerged from a province in China regarding the prolonged torture and murder of a local friendly stray dog and her newborn pups. The latter were beaten, stabbed and impaled; their mother was beaten, stabbed, torched, and had her eyes gouged out. During her final agonizing moments, she crawled towards her pups, her body still burning.
The perpetrators were all siblings from a local family. They laughed while videotaping the entire ordeal.
Chinese officials, citing the siblings’ ages (under 14), sent them to a “disciplinary” school as punishment. China has no significant animal protection laws and their government attempts to suppress stories of egregious animal abuse committed by those pursuing notoriety or to profit off extreme videos on social media platforms.
Consequently, global campaigns are conducted to pressure the enactment and enforcement of laws against animal cruelty.
The bigger picture, for me, focuses on youth that seems capable of intentionally and gleefully harming animals. Who does that?
While growing up, some of us may have improperly cared for a pet due to general ignorance. I doubt many of us personally knew of anyone in our circles who gained pleasure by causing an animal to suffer.
Most kids inherently understand kindness, but it’s up to parents to guide them towards becoming responsible, compassionate adults.
Today, technology can make that task difficult. Social media has an effect on some children – and even adults – in troubling ways. The pursuit of attention or financial gain (crush videos) can incentivize some to create shocking content in hopes of attracting more views.
Furthermore, excessive exposure to immersive video games or disturbing material might blur the lines and desensitize vulnerable youth who might confuse reality with fantasy and the consequences.
Parental involvement and early intervention help ensure that the next generations are comprised of decent, compassionate, accountable human beings who value and respect all life.
