The following article, on Sunday's anti animal abuse march, provides a great opportunity for follow-up letters on any aspect of animal cruelty -- for example in the food or entertainment industries. The South China Morning Post takes letters at scmplet@scmp.com
South China Morning Post
January 8, 2006 Sunday
YOUNGPOST; Pg. 1
Paws for thought
By Lau Kit-wai
Animal lovers, it's time to take action. Last autumn, three kittens were found left for dead after being sadistically tortured and dumped in a street in Mongkok - and these cases may only be the tip of the iceberg, animal rights activists warn.
The first victim, a kitten called Sylvia, was found in September last year lying on the street with two broken limbs and a stab wound to her belly. A week later, Chop Chop (right) was found in the same area. Bowie, the third victim, had similar injuries and was found at the same site in November. He died shortly after an operation.
Sylvia and Chop Chop (below) are now living with Helena Chung Man-har, an animal lover and member of Hong Kong Alley Cat Watch (HKACW). They have almost fully recovered, although Chop Chop needed to have a front leg amputated. The attacks prompted teacher David Wong Kai-yan to start an online petition for tougher penalties against animal abuse.
Chung, Wong and volunteers from animal protection groups such as Animal Earth, Bag Me Home and HKACW have organised the 1.08 Respect for Life and Anti-Animal Abuse march. It starts at 2pm today at Chater Garden and finishes at the Central Government Offices. The march is intended to enhance public awareness of animal rights and call for tougher laws against animal abuse.
Chung said everyone is welcome to join the march because its theme is not only animal protection, but also about showing respect for life.
"There is a reason for every life that comes into this world. We should not torture animals to death, even if they are livestock," said Chung.
"Many people give up their cats if they're sick, by abandoning them or giving them away. Although Chop Chop is handicapped, she now leads a happy life. She teaches me not to give up easily."
Unfortunately, not everyone in Hong Kong shares Chung's views on animals. According to a survey by Animals Asia Foundation that has not been publicly released, about 20 per cent of the poll's 1,000 respondents admitted they had eaten dog meat within the past two years, mostly during trips to Shenzhen or Guangzhou.
More surprising was the fact that about one-third of those who had not eaten dog meat said it was not because they took offence to the practice - which is illegal in Hong Kong - but because they didn't have the opportunity.
House pets do not necessarily have an easier life, as pet abandonment is a common problem. Many people underestimate the responsibilities of keeping an animal, an Animals Asia spokeswoman said.
"Pet shop owners will not inform you of all the facts you need to know about keeping an animal. Keeping a pet is like raising a child. More importantly, a child will grow up someday and become independent, but a pet will rely on you its entire life."
The Society for Abandoned Animals, which houses about 280 animals at its shelter, said it normally receives 10 to 20 calls a day from owners who, for various reasons, are unable to keep their pets and wish to rehouse them. An average of only 10 animals are adopted each month at the shelter, so space for newly abandoned animals was limited.
So think twice before you ask your parents to buy you a pet. Ask yourself: "Am I ready to be its lifelong friend?" For nine-year-old Danise Miao Mei-sze, who has nine dogs, the answer is yes.
"Like humans, dogs have feelings. If you abandon them, they will feel sad. That's why I love my dogs so much and will never give them away."
For more information about the march, visit www.animalearth.org or www.hkalleycats.com
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Date: Mon Jan 9 11:43:41 2006
