What do you consider to be animal cruelty? Where do you draw the line?
Animal cruelty is neglect and lack of responsibility for an animal’s well-being, and any incident that puts the animal at risk without valid reason. This includes exploiting animals for entertainment or cosmetic reasons. Michelle Cefai, 20, BA English (Hons).
Animal cruelty is subjecting them to excessive or unnecessary suffering or distress. This includes keeping them from their natural habitat, excessive labour or physical stress, unfit living conditions, cosmetic testing, and painful death (where killing is allowed by law). While I am aware it is selfish reasoning, I condone animal slaughter for food and medical testing on animals. Katya Gatt, 21, Bachelor of Laws.
Any physical violence towards animals, whether coming from a stranger or the owner, animal cruelty. Daniel Galea, 20, Btec Higher National Diploma in Business Enterprise, Mcast.
In light of the recent cat killings, what can be done to prevent such acts of cruelty in future?
Education is key. Also, harsher punishments for whoever commit acts of cruelty. A simple fine does not suffice. Michelle Cefai
Prevention of crime is easier said than done. While increased education and awareness on the matter, improved surveillance and stronger police presence in certain localities might help, such acts must be deterred by handing down harsh penalties and ensuring the sentences are widely publicised. Katya Gatt
Far less publicity on these killings should be given as this encourages the person/s responsible to continue killing these animals due to the huge attention they are being given by local media. Neutering of animals should also be increased so we would have fewer stray cats. Daniel Galea
What should the punishment be for such actions?
A stiff penalty, and in cases of extreme cruelty, a prison term. Michelle Cefai
A fine is insufficient punishment for such acts of cruelty. I think the law should allow for stiffer penalties of imprisonment for those convicted of animal cruelty. Katya Gatt
Animals have feelings just like humans, except they have no voice to stand up for themselves. So the punishment for harming animals should be the same as that given to harming human beings. Daniel Galea.
Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.