WHAT a pathetic sight to see the Rotweiler (abandoned by its owner after attacking a man last week) 'cornered and cowering in its cage' (South China Morning Post, December 24). Even from the Post picture, one could see the pleading in its eyes - not fierce, violent eyes. Obviously, when the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) staff found it tied to their post, the dog would not appear to be 'the friendliest dog in the world'. It obviously felt it was being punished and abandoned by its owner, so it must have been bewildered and terrified. Even Mr Richard O'Brien, the victim of the attack, felt sorry for it. Anyone who has seen a litter of puppies grow into adulthood, must understand that puppies nip each other in affectionate play. I have never seen a dog which was naturally fierce, violent, or aggressive. When a dog is abused, cruelly beaten or provoked, it is afraid, and can only show its fear in growling, snarling or aggressiveness. Some owners mistakenly believe that their large dog should be shown to be fierce or protective, so it is trained to attack or to bite. Others sadistically and cruelly provoke and bully dogs till they lose their trusting and affectionate nature (which is a dog's natural characteristic). Then we triumphantly show that a 'biter', an errant dog, has been cornered and justice demands that it pays with its life. Man's inhumanity to man is bad enough, but man's inhumanity to animals is revolting. This is the season of goodwill, but there's not much hope left for mankind. S. ALBERS Kowloon
