(HK) Talkback 11-Mar-08: Should repeat animal abusers be barred from owning pets?

[Guest guest]

South China Morning Post

CITY2 | CITY

 

2008-03-11

 

Talkback The E-mail Forum

 

 

Should repeat animal abusers be barred from owning pets?

 

The problem of abuse of animals is getting worse in our society. Therefore,

I am in strong agreement with those who argue that repeat animal abusers

should be barred from owning pets.

 

Although the government has reviewed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Ordinance and is likely to impose a heavier penalty on animal cruelty

offences to act as a stronger deterrent, I don't think this goes far enough

in dealing with the current problem.

 

People are supposed to keep pets for companionship and to make their lives

more enjoyable. It is totally unacceptable for people who adopt pets to

mistreat them for their own amusement.

 

Pets should be respected and treated as a member of the family. I think it

is heartless of people, including some breeders, to abandon animals so that

they become strays.

 

It is wrong for someone to abuse those lovely creatures.

 

Mandy Wong, Lam Tin

 

 

 

 

I am concerned about cases in Hong Kong of cruelty against animals.

 

When such acts take place, I am often taken aback by the lack of concern

that some people show, even though such cruelty is fairly common.

 

I think it is important to get the message across in schools, so that young

people realise they have to respect animals. Schools should organise lessons

on moral behaviour and teach students that they must develop the correct

attitude towards animals and realise that they are not toys.

 

People should think carefully before they buy a pet. They have to be clear

that they are responsible enough to take care of the animal.

 

Young people have to understand the difference between right and wrong when

it comes to the treatment of animals.

 

Vicky Choi, Tseung Kwan O

 

 

 

It is important for young people to realise that we should respect all

animals and not hurt them, even if they are strays.

 

All the lives in our world should be treasured, including the lives of

animals.

 

I think many young people do not understand the seriousness of animal abuse.

 

 

Hong Kong has many organisations that exist to protect the rights of

animals. They should get more involved with educating young people about the

need to respect animals.

 

Often when young people are involved in animal cruelty, there is an

underlying reason. Maybe they are depressed because they are experiencing

problems at school or in their family life.

 

Groups like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals should set

up special courses for these teenagers.

 

Such young people could be taught how to train dogs. This would help the

animals and improve the self-confidence of the teenagers.

 

Cynthia Chang, Sau Mau Ping