How cruel can you get!

Animal cruelty is hitting the headlines lately. The brutal killing of two horses and, even more recently, the savage killing of five dogs are no good news. One wonders how such heartless actions are continuously taking place. However, taking a good look around us there is more bad news in store!

Unfortunately, animal cruelty is a reality larger than life. As time passes by, the situation of animal welfare in the world is getting worse. For ages men around the globe are still finding reasons to kill, at times even brutally, animals of different forms.

In this day and time animals are still being killed in order to form part of a "delicious" plate in some exclusive restaurants in China. Others are being savaged to uphold religions, cultures and traditions, such as bullfighting in Spain.

Some people still find it of "good taste" to wear original fur clothing, even if it is stained with animal blood. Others do not think twice to keep in their home a particular ornament which used to form part of a beautiful beast.

Exploitation of animals is also another form of animal cruelty. This is done in various ways. Some are hurt on purpose during a particular sport. Others are led to fight for their life.

I still cannot understand what joy there is watching an animal taking part in a circus, when it is kept away from its natural habitat. Moreover, what "fun" is there in hurting or leading animals to fight till death?

And what about the so-called "animal research centres"? One sad story is that of an infant monkey, rescued from an animal research laboratory after it was found with its eyes sewn shut in a dark room.

Of course, one can look at the positive aspect. At least this monkey was still alive; many others die every day after being cut open during experiments so that their brains and other parts of their bodies are deliberately damaged with chemicals. After all we should be thankful, this is done in the name of progress!

What is the use of living in the modern era where modernism equals progress at the expense of animal lives? How can we leave a better world for our future generations if millions of animals are deliberately being killed while some are close to extinction?

No doubt, we must come to terms with this cruel reality. The world is in great need of responsible actions in favour of animal welfare. Each and every one of us can make a difference against animal cruelty simply by creating more awareness.

The next time you browse the internet, do take a few minutes time to support requests and petitions in favour of animal welfare. Jotting down some words can make a difference. Remember animals cannot talk, but they can feel if they are ill-treated.

If you have more time on your hands, pop in and help the organisations that support animal welfare in Malta. I am sure that the animals there have a special way of saying thank you even though they cannot express themselves in words.

Most importantly... don't be indifferent in front of animal cruelty. Indifference is another form of cruelty, which leads to more animals getting hurt without a chance of survival. How cruel can you get? Give a helping hand. Animal cruelty is an age-old story, but it does not necessarily have to go down in history!