I Love You No More

Today is World Animal Day, a day to celebrate all animals.

Oct 4 was picked to mark the day, as it is the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Since then, World Animal Day has widened into a day to celebrate all animals, endangered or not.

On this day, we are reminded:

• to celebrate animal life in all its form

• to celebrate humankind's relationship with the animal kingdom

• to acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives - from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives; and

• to acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives.

Recently, the papers reported that 9300 animals were dumped last year. Out of these, more than 3000 were dogs. And more than half of these abandoned dogs were pedigreed.

A few days ago, a man was charged under the Animals and Birds Act for hurling a Maltese from a 22nd storey flat.

What's wrong with these people?

First they spent a good sum of money buying a dog on impulse. Then they dumped it without much thought. I am amaze that they do not feel there is anything wrong with such behaviours. After a few months or years with the dog, surely one must have built up some relationship.

When the puppy was brought home, its cuteness was the one and only reason for the decision. When it's time to dump, they have lots more reasons but lame ones, such as...

• Too busy with other things
• Dog is hyperactive
• Dog barks too much
• Children find it not cute any more
• No more maid

Many people complain about stray animals. They forgot that these animals have no choice as they are stray. While we need to address the issue with the strays, more energy should be put into educating pet owners so that we do not create more strays.

Usually, house pets do not survive very well when left on the streets. They have little instinct to avoid danger and are unable to find food easily. It is utterly cruel to leave them on the streets to die of either starvation or injuries.

I can't help but notice that people buy dogs in the year of dog and rabbits in the year of rabbit and so on. It is believed that the symbolic pet will bring them good luck (somehow). Perhaps these owners need to be reminded that dumping them after the year is over will turn the good luck around (somehow).

You need one superstition to counter another superstition.

Organisations such as SPCA is working very hard to educate the public. Sadly, I don't find them gaining much mileage in this matter. <~sigh~>

They will be celebrating the World Animal Day by holding an exhibition at the East Coast Park tomorrow. Go and support them and help spread the messages of kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership.

World Animal Day belongs to everyone, especially the animals.