Animal Cruelty And Safety In The Spotlight

This post is not specifically Chester related but, of course, animal cruelty and safety still applies to Chester as everywhere else. So, on that note, this post makes its way onto my Chester Lifestyle website because these issues could very well be Chester related. Let’s have a look at the first one to make the news. I must say, when I first saw this video showing extreme cruelty towards a harmless, defenceless horse the other day, to say I was appalled, incensed and more, is a massive understatement.

Just to warn you, this link may be very upsetting, so be aware of its sensitive content. You may not wish to read any further, or wish to check out the Twitter link below.

However, having said that, I feel it needs to be highlighted. Since this was first published on Sunday morning, the story and the video has gone viral. To say there has been a big reaction to this is a massive understatement. If you’re up for it, continue reading and check out the Twitter link.

Animal Cruelty And Safety In The Spotlight

As the identity of the perpetrator is now known, you may wish to know that the school teacher involved, has now been suspended from her job. And, furthermore, she has been relieved of her duties at her local Pony Club. So, what did she do to cause such outrage. If you feel up for it, have a look at this Twitter link HERE. Also, you can read about her suspension from her teaching job HERE.

There has been plenty of reaction so far to this incident. The last time I checked, the video had been viewed more than 2 million times. Also, there has been a lot of activity on the Twitter post mentioned above. Including responses from the RSPCA, who are investigating the matter. The image below is a still taken from the video recorded by Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs.

To see so many people, including horse lovers, hunts groups and charities, like the RSPCA for instance, condemning her actions, it may seem difficult for anyone to defend her actions. But, in trying to offer some balance on the subject, there have been people coming out to support her actions and to offer her support for the aftermath that has followed.

Those That Have Defended Her

I happened to read a couple of snippets in her defence earlier today. For instance, her uncle, is reported as saying that she was merely ‘reprimanding‘ the pony. One of her neighbour’s, who is also a fellow rider and who also didn’t want to be named, declined to comment on the abuse to the horse, but did say, “I don’t know what happened and in what context but what is now happening to Sarah is horrible.”

Two very strange views on things in my humble opinion. If her uncle simply says this is a reprimand and he considers this to be a normal reaction, then does this suggest that such ‘reprimands’ like this are a regular occurrence? If so, does that now mean that as well as the incident in the video, should the investigation go much further? For instance, should all the ponies at this individual’s Pony Club be examined? Is it possible for a vet to see if a horse has suffered physical abuse? Does it put all similar Pony Club’s under scrutiny?

And, as far as the neighbour is concerned, she says she doesn’t know what happened? Isn’t the video clear enough? With regard to “what is now happening to Sarah is horrible” could this statement also be a recognition of a regret that her neighbour has been caught out, as much as a concern for her welfare?

Is The Public Outrage Justified?

The video is shocking and it does beg the question, to many, as to whether this sort of ‘reprimanding,’ as justified by the school teacher’s uncle, is a regular occurrence? Some people on Social Media and other platforms have suggested that the public don’t need to become involved “as the authorities will be dealing with it.” Really, is that the best way to have this properly addressed going forward?

Have a read of this comment taken from the Twitter feed above in a response to allowing the authorities to deal with things:

“My cat was caught in a trap set for him by my neighbour as he had allegedly damaged his pond. He was left in the trap injured & in pouring rain for hours before his cries were heard. RSPCA not interested, community policeman will call around ‘sometime.'”

In a similar vein, let’s just say that the Hertfordshire Hunt Saboteurs had not videoed this particular animal cruelty incident and, of course, it hadn’t been made available on Social Media in the public domain as a result. And, if say, it had only been witnessed by a passer-by without videoing it. Do we really think the incident would now be investigated by the RSPCA? And would this individual have been suspended from their teaching job?

Animal Cruelty Correlation?

There are some who have commented to say that animal cruelty is a short step away from human cruelty. If that is the case then isn’t a public outrage, or involvement, justified? Especially if such animal cruelty is quite clearly caught on film.

All things considered, if there is any hint that such a correlation is something to be aware of and concerned about, then would you want your child to be in this individual’s classroom?

If the cat owner, mentioned above, had been in a position to have the support of the public, then maybe the authorities would have reacted differently, or a bit more quickly.

Although the actual video isn’t specifically a Chester related matter, does that mean that those who say that are actually saying that animal cruelty is only a problem for the area of the country this video was recorded? Of course it isn’t. And if the public involvement makes us all aware of animal cruelty wherever we are in the country, including here in Chester, then all well and good.

Let’s hope a fair and thorough investigation is carried out. And let’s also hope the right conclusions are reached. And very importantly, let’s hope the poor horse is OK and not too traumatised. The same thing goes for all horses everywhere if such ‘reprimands’ are the norm. Let’s all try and make sure such actions cease to be the norm

Right, onto the next issue.

Animal Cruelty and Safety and The Effects Fireworks Have On Our Pets

On a slightly different tangent but still animal related of course, have a look at this link below. Again though, only if you are up to it. It is a sad story of how some pets sadly died during the Bonfire celebrations. Let me also stress that no, the incidents in the link didn’t happen in Chester, but that’s not to say, none did and just wasn’t reported. Or that such incidents couldn’t happen in Chester. Reading the link may remind anti fireworks followers to push for greater firework controls. Or go that bit further and go all out for a total ban on fireworks.

Anyway, have a read of this Twitter article – https://twitter.com/i/events/1457729771115274248.

It highlights sad stories, in some instances, of pets dying of fright, as a result of the loud bangs etc. So sad. As an animal lover and servant to our own Fab Four, we are so glad we again placed them under house arrest last weekend. This year’s fireworks parties went on a bit longer as the 5th was on a Friday. So, we had parties being held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

We even heard fireworks going off last night (the 10th). Fortunately, all of our Fab Four were at home. At a guess I would say either with heads in bowl, or kipping. Or, on their way to kip after filling their bellies. Or, just waking up to make their way to cat food bowls to fill their bellies. Anyone living with a cat will recognise those scenarios.

But, on a serious note, does fireworks going off on the 10th lend more weight to greater controls? And if there is to be a review, should there be any public involvement? Or should we leave it all to the authorities?

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

Thanks for reading my latest blog post – “Animal Cruelty and Safety In The Spotlight” – and thanks for visiting my Chester Lifestyle website. It is much appreciated. To see all of my other blog posts, on a variety of different topics, have a look HERE. And, to those who have maybe read all of my blog posts, many thanks for reading all 499 of them.

Yes indeed, the next blog post is numero 500!! I’ve already written a first draft so it may be published either later today, or I may leave it until tomorrow. Hmm…..decisions, decisions!!!

Anyway, as Christmas is just around the corner……..

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