Last week, I posted the question, “Why help animals?” Sometimes, we animal welfare advocates are faced with this question, often meant to belittle the advocacy. I know there are many good reasons why we should help animals and I called out for answers. Owen Santos, a CARA volunteer who helps take care of pit bulls rescued from a dog fighting syndicate, believes that we each have a role in society.
I do not get angry at people who have different views about animals than I do because, let’s face it, many of us used to be like that. (I only get angry at animal abusers–those who intentionally harm, those who neglect). Many of us used to consider animals as property (hence, the phrase “pet owner”), or used to consider them as separate from our families (hence, allowing them to be tied up or caged outside the house 24/7, and fed scraps). But, now that I know better, I try to educate other people, or just give them the information, let them be, and let them catch up whenever they’re ready.
We all have our roles in society. Some take care of our fellow humans, others take care of plant life, others take care of animals (wild or domestic). That people like us in animal welfare are caring for animals the way we do does not mean that we do not care about people, too. It does not mean that we are not involved in other endeavors. There are those of us who help care for spiritual health of other people, some of us have been involved in human rights/women’s and children’s rights for years, the rights of Filipino indigenous peoples and, more recently, helping victims of abuse among the Lumads.
I encourage people to support a cause they believe in–it doesn’t have to be animal welfare–but just to put their money where their mouths are and not just become outspoken on social media, among friends, and public events. — Owen Santos, CARA volunteer, blogs at https://rubydoobeedoo.wordpress.com
Indeed, there are so many ways to make the world a better place. Since it is impossible to help in everything, we should figure out where our heart lies and choose to support that cause. If we each do our part, we should be able to make a difference for the better, right?
To access all posts about “Why help animals?” click this link.
In the picture is Owen Santos and Ruby, one of the 266 dogs rescued in March 2012 from a dog fighting ring in San Pablo, Laguna, a province located south of Manila in the Philippines. They lived in horrifying conditions — housed in steel drums and tethered to the ground with heavy chains, exposed to the elements, perhaps with no medical care, fed substandard food (if at all) and, most likely, never shown any true love and compassion.
Not all dogs survived and, today, only about 150 remain. Under the care of CARA Welfare Philippines, the dogs were transferred to a more suitable location and are being nursed back to health. They continue to need help, however — they still need food, medicine, and lots of TLC. With your help, they will recover faster, and be on their way to truly better lives.
Why help animals? Answer in the comments section and we shall feature your answer in succeeding posts.