Baglady Joins in plea to end Disposable Society May 26, 2011
Posted by Jonathan Mitchell in : Stories , add a comment“…animal rights must not only be an idea but a social movement for the liberation of the world’s most oppressed beings, both in terms of numbers and in the severity of their pain.” Steven Best
The thought of an unwanted child placed on the internet as ‘Free to a Home’ is not only shocking for our society, but is a disgusting concept which beggars belief. Why then, in this caring, modern culture, do we witness living creatures being bought, sold, dumped, given away, put to sleep or being allowed to slowly starve through neglect and cruelty?
Volunteer Natasha Lowry with Baglady
Baglady has joined the call for ALL living creatures to be afforded the same basic rights; as found in the Five Freedoms, listed below.
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury and disease
- Freedom to behave normally
- Freedom from fear and distress
Farm, wild or companion animals suffering is appalling to us all – we distance ourselves from it, and shirk responsibility. Yet this is what happens to these beautiful creatures every day. Government in our ‘first world’ country goes to great lengths to secure the safety and dignity of human lives, yet inhumane puppy farming and feral cat colonies are allowed to spiral out of control unchecked, and are moreover legal (see above: Baglady pictured with a disposable pup, dumped at our gates).
A blind eye is turned to the inevitable outcome. Hoards of unwanted, inbred but harmless creatures are considered pests. Cats are put in the same category as insect and rodent infestations; yet man spent centuries domesticating this animal for his own pleasure. Likewise with our canine friends; by controlling breed and temperament, we decide on suitable breeds and strains, leaving nature to watch as breathing problems develop and bone structure deteriorates.
The responsibility and guilt rests squarely on the shoulders of mankind; therefore it is the hope of Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary and friends, like Baglady, that their plight can not only be recognised and addressed, but completely erased. They both deserve, and have earned, our respect and care. It is our duty as a civilised society to protect each living creature to the same degree, regardless of breed, species or condition. It is within our means. Standing idly by as creatures are disposed of in the same care-free fashion of a crisp bag is damaging to our world. By denying responsibility we are staring our own greed in the face.
Diane Wilson Secretary ‘Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary’
Race For Life April 1, 2010
Posted by Jonathan Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentBy Lauren McCarter, March 2010
PICTURE (L – R): Lauren McCarter (author), Natasha, Adam and Jodie with Sanctuary Greyhounds
It’s cold and wet; I think I’ve been here for four days – at least. I’m starving. I can’t look for food as I can’t break free. I’m very lonely and I wonder how much longer I’m going to be here for. I think my owner left me here because I came last in a race. I didn’t think it meant so much to him. I thought he loved me – I was wrong.
Another day has passed and it’s getting colder; I hope someone will find me and help me soon. So many cars have passed but they must not have noticed me here. Oh, wait! There’s a car slowing down as it comes towards me! It’s white with bright yellow and blue. It’s getting closer – it’s coming for me – should I be scared? Maybe they are here to help?
They’re getting out and one is walking towards me. I’m scared but there’s nothing I can do. I’m frozen with fear as the man sets a bowl of food before me. He talks to me gently as he slips a lead around my neck and unties me from the post. Still talking gently, he leads me to the van with the food in his hand. He opens the door and I jump in immediately, feeling safer. He closes the door and starts to drive while the other man reassures me that I am safe, at last.
We drive for a few minutes until the van slows and comes to a stop. The door opens and I hear other dogs barking. Am I back at the race track? It doesn’t look like the races; it’s too small to be. I’m lead through a door and passed a desk, through another door then in to a hallway where I meet a girl who talks to me. She gives me food and water. After I’m fed and watered I’m lead back out through the doors and passed the desk then in to a kennel. I read on the girls T-shirt (when she bends down to stroke me) Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary. I know now that I am not at the track; I’m with people who can look after me, and love me, until I find a home.
I’m happy here. I have a warm bed, food and water. If I hadn’t come here, who knows what could have happened to me?
A Sporting Chance April 1, 2010
Posted by Jonathan Mitchell in : Stories , add a commentBy Natasha Lowry, April 2010
