[Animals] Animal neglect can be just as harmful as physical abuse

[FazzNoth]

The video of West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma kicking and slapping one of his cats prompted outrage when it was posted online. But ISPCA chief inspector Conor Dowling says a failure to provide appropriate care for an animal can cause as much pain and distress as physical abuse

 

The ISPCA (Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was shocked and appalled at the treatment of a cat depicted in a video widely circulated online earlier this week. 

We welcome the prompt action of the RSPCA and Essex Police and the facts the cats in question are now safe.

The footage is distressing to watch and shows treatment of an animal that has no place in the modern world. 

The expressions of revulsion from the general public and within the footballing community clearly demonstrate the views of society on this kind of behaviour both here and in the UK.

The impact of violence on animals is not confined to physical pain, it can cause long-lasting mental distress, and it is that psychiatric trauma that can take the longest time to heal.

All adults, especially those in the public eye and considered to be role models, have a responsibility to set an example to the younger generation. 

What was particularly disturbing about this incident is that there was a child present to witness the abuse first-hand.

Thankfully it has been the experience of the ISPCA that malicious or wanton acts of violence towards animals are comparatively rare. 

Of the approximately 3,500 reports logged by the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline annually, only a very small proportion relate to incidents involving the deliberate infliction of pain on animals.

And, of the over 1,100 animals taken into care by ISPCA inspectors in 2021, relatively few were the victims of violent physical abuse.

While violent cruelty may be more shocking to us, the suffering caused to those hundreds of animals rescued by our inspectors that were caused suffering through neglect should not be underestimated. 

People often distinguish between “cruelty” and “neglect” but a failure to provide appropriate care for an animal can cause equally as much pain and distress as physical abuse. And the suffering endured can last much longer.

More Info: https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40806645.html