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Letters | Animal cruelty is a daily reality in Hong Kong, get tough on abusers
- Animal abuse is a worldwide problem, and Hong Kong laws should follow the example of more enlightened cities
- Today’s animal torturers may turn out to be tomorrow’s psychopaths. In all cases of animal abuse, the law needs to act as a strong deterrent
The recent decision by judges to reject the appeal for tougher sentences for animal abusers is misguided and should be reconsidered (“Hong Kong judges reject calls for tougher sentences for animal abusers”, April 4). If the “local view” needs to be taken into account, animal welfare suffers.
Animal abuse is a worldwide social problem, so why is following the tougher stance of other jurisdictions being rejected?
The local situation does not encourage kindness towards wildlife or domesticated creatures. We see cruelty on a daily basis at the wet markets and seafood restaurants, with chickens, frogs and fish watching and waiting to be slaughtered, dulling public awareness of what is right and wrong. Pets are not allowed in many buildings, giving residents no opportunity to interact with them and value them as companions.
Due to local sentiments, dogs are banned almost everywhere – including on many forms of public transport, whereas in more enlightened cities, such as Stockholm, they are welcome to travel anywhere with their owners.
Animal cruelty comes down to education. We are either taught to enjoy animal companionship and to treat all creatures kindly, or out of ignorance we fear and dislike them and lack understanding of how we should interact with them.
Today’s animal torturers may turn out to be tomorrow’s psychopaths. In all cases of animal abuse, the law needs to act as a strong deterrent.
Joan Miyaoka, Sha Tin
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