A concerted effort to stop cruelty to animals

We have recently been reading and hearing a lot in the media about cruelty and neglect of domestic animals. Reflecting about a recent incident we read in the local newspapers, we asked ourselves how a human being could possibly be so cruel towards such loving creatures. We felt pain and anger imagining the sufferings that these poor animals had to go through without any hope of being saved and freed. We believe that these animals feel sad, sick, afraid, cold, hungry, lonely and willing to live. Is it fair to treat them like this?

Following the incidents, a forum was organised at our school, St Clare College, Girls Secondary School. From the discussion we have come to the following conclusions: Persons who know about such incidents should make an extra effort and report these incidents to the local police, inform the local council and make a report to organisations promoting animal welfare. They should also talk about the subject with a trusted friend or family member and with any animal lovers at school or at work.

Who should take the responsibility to stop cruelty to animals? Animal owners should think and plan well before adopting animals. However, who should take care of animals whose owners die? Do we have enough animal homes? Do they have enough funds? What happens when an animal owner is caught abusing his animal? Is he fined? Does the money go to these voluntary organisations to maintain abandoned and abused animals?

Persons treating animals badly should be punished for their actions and fined. The money should go to animal voluntary organisations.

These people should also be sentenced to do voluntary work with animal shelters, to be helped to feel real love towards these animals.