THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE JSPCA has read with interest your editorial of Monday, June 13, entitled 'Some roots of murder'. As you so aptly pointed out, rage can and does mutate and manifest itself in individual or mass slaughtering of animals. Most local zoos, for instance, have had to find ways to protect their animals from brutal visitors who hurl mangoes, stones or any other missile at them, for fun.
In trying to understand the mentality of today's murderers, it might be very instructive to look at their treatment of animals. Many studies in psychology, sociology and criminology over the last 25 years have demonstrated that a large number of children who commit acts of animal cruelty grow to become violent offenders in their adult years. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty to be one of the principle diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.
Animal cruelty, like any other form of violence, is usually committed by someone who feels unnoticed and powerless, and has very low self-esteem. When a child is the abuser, in many cases he
has already been the victim of abuse, as was discovered in the recent shocking case of a boys home, where the youngsters were sexually molesting the dogs on the compound.
When violence flares up across Jamaica, it is the JSPCA who is called in to look after animals who have been terrorised, beaten, burnt with acid, stabbed or used as target practice - imagine what happens to the minds of children who see these acts being carried out by their relatives and role models.
IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS
Blame must also be laid at the doorstep of irresponsible pet owners, who find it amusing that their animals roam the streets, producing more and more litters of unwanted puppies, who in turn will be neglected and abused. The cycle of abuse is unending.
The JSPCA is not saying that killing animals is more heinous than killing people. But we believe that there is a direct connection in the mind of the perpetrators, and if we are ever to re-educate our people to respect life, we have to start attacking the REAL ROOT of the problem. Give our children stability in the home, and set good examples of honesty, integrity, respect and kindness towards others. Everything will flow from that.
A good way to start would be to appreciate the animals around us. For countless Jamaicans, when the husband or the benefactor or the admirer walks out, who is still there - ever loyal and devoted, always there to protect? The dog!
I am, etc.,
PAUL TURNER DVM MSc
Senior Veterinarian
The Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
