The Editor, Sir:

I write on behalf of veterinarians and all those who care for animals regardless of their type, age, breed, nature or perceived usefulness to humans. We are utterly horrified by the cruel act that was carried out by individuals who threw a dog tied by a long rope into a river as bait for a crocodile.

This act is a clear indication of an unfortunate public attitude many of us see on a regular basis as we go about our work - dogs, specifically 'mongrels', are valueless objects that can be abused and neglected and treated with impunity. It is reminiscent of the treatment meted out to some human beings by others because of their race or other 'undesirable' characteristics.

One might ask, why should we care about animals while so many people suffer? Domestic animals are part of the fabric of society, regardless of their actual or perceived roles, and as humans who control their daily lives we bear a great responsibility for their welfare.

Animal welfare

They are living beings who feel pain, fear, thirst, hunger, anger, joy as much as humans do. No matter how much we humans feel that our 'intelligence' and 'spirituality' place us separate and apart from them, the fact is we are made of the same flesh and blood.

The attitude that an individual has towards animals is often developed early - from observing the actions of others. As such, these attitudes are shaped and changed as a child grows. It is a small step from abusing animals to abusing humans. On the other hand, learning to care for animals can have one great side effect. It will teach the individual to care for people too. What a difference that would make to a society such as ours.

Animal welfare is high on the agenda internationally. The World Organisation for Animal Health held a conference in Cairo, Egypt in October of this year, in which the mechanisms for the worldwide implementation of its guidelines on Animal Welfare were discussed. The objective is for these to be enacted into law in all countries.

Freedoms

One of the basic tenets of animal welfare is the concept of the five freedoms:

Freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition.

Freedom from fear and distress.

Freedom from physical/thermal discomfort.

Freedom from pain, injury, disease.

Freedom to express normal behaviours.

The poor dog used as crocodile bait was certainly denied at least three of these by those callous individuals who took part or were entertained by the spectacle. We are glad the crocodile remained unharmed. We hope that those responsible will be prosecuted to the full extent of our law, which itself needs to be reviewed and strengthened.

I am, etc.,

Dr PAUL CADOGAN

Secretary

Jamaica Veterinary Medical

Association

secretary@jvma.org

2 Georges Street

Denbigh P.O., Clarendon