Dear Editor,
Regarding the reaction of readers to Phillip Matthysen, who allegedly mutilated his puppy with a chainsaw.
Words cannot describe the awful and painful death the poor defenceless creature had to endure at the hands of the person it trusted.
What I find disturbing is that some people disagree with the severe public reaction to cruelty to animals arguing that many people suffer and animals should come second. I cannot understand this type of argument.
1. The fact that suffering takes place among people, does not lesson the suffering of animals.
2. The fact that people or children suffer does not mean we should stand by and let animals suffer.
3. Lots of attention is given to the suffering of humans particularly in third world countries like South Africa which leaves the rights of animals lagging behind.
4. The penalties for inflicting suffering on humans are severe whereas the penalties for cruelty to animals are shockingly small.
5. Most cases of animal suffering are never seen by the public except shocking incidents like these.
6. In general, comparing atrocities of tragedy is a dangerous thing. Imagine people trying to help war victims being criticised for not treating Aids victims. What about criticising someone for becoming a vet rather than a doctor?
7. Realise this, if a person had mutilated a human child with a chainsaw, the world would also have known about it and it would have been front page news everywhere.
The suffering of people does get more attention than animals. It is completely acceptable and normal for any person to feel horrified by the mutilation of a puppy. Dogs are human and members of families for many.
People who discourage sympathy towards animal suffering are cold, soulless and heartless.
Louis Marais,
Pietermaritzberg
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