Q What can be done to promote responsible dog ownership?
In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of abused and abandoned pets. The reason behind this is that having a pet at home is considered stylish and trendy. Many Hong Kong people do not think twice before following trends. That is fine if it's a fashion trend, but when it comes to the life and death of animals, it is cruel.
Children should be taught to have a strong sense of responsibility at home and at school. Parents and teachers should grab every opportunity to teach them that idea.
When the children do something wrong, such as forgetting to bring in their homework or giving up doing something they do not like, teachers and parents should tell them that they should not blame others and always be responsible for what they have decided. This simple approach will need hard work and patience.
The only way to promote responsible pet ownership among adults is through advertisements, in which greater awareness of the serious impact of abusing and abandoning pets could be raised. I suggest showing some tragic but touching stories of pets. Viewers will realise that having a pet takes a great deal of time and energy. Then more people would consider seriously before adopting a pet.
Cheung Ko-chi, Tseung Kwan O
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