Animal Cops, Animal Law and Apathy – in Philadelphia
Posted by spork on July 19, 2008
I read an article in the Inquire about the show Animal Cops being here in the Philadelphia area. You can read the article here. It sort of started me off on a train of thought and i’m going to try to sort it out here.
I know I’m new to this particular issue. Fortunately, I didn’t grow up being aware people were cruel to their animals. And as I learn more about this subject, it bothers me more deeply. Especially as there is a link between cruelty to animals and cruelty to humans. Especially as we know 1000’s of bodies pile up in animal shelters daily while breeders succesfully push for no change in laws due to the “economic strain.” The reality and so obvious fact IS:
- We can’t handle the amount of animals breeders (and nature) are putting out! Forced, continuous breeding lowers demand.
It’s simple economics, even I, an economics dunce, comprehends.
So…the rest of the economy is actually forced to deal with economic realities and comply…why should breeders be any different? An animal is a live being. A breeder decided to put this being inside a cage for the majority of it’s life. Basic quality of care needs to be there. They are trapped and can’t provide for themselves. If you can’t afford it, you’re in the wrong business -especially since there are so many breeders out there.
Best of you – cream of the crop – it’s time for you to rise! The rest of you who can’t make it, go away and find something you’re more talented at, or something you want to work at. You can hate me for saying it but I just have to say it! Forgive me but, I mean, really the commodity is the result of entirely free sex. Sex makes kiddies. or rather kitties…or puppies…. (oh.my.god.did I just blog that? *blush) Free puppies to sell (several times a year) just for taking “care” of the momma and the poppa. If she can’t produce, then – a legally allowed – gun to the head. Cost gone. Have sex or die. Now that’s cold-blooded business. Let’s be hopeful and call it OLD SCHOOL.
I am very lucky. I know very many people who love and respect their pets – in fact, I think that is where much apathy comes from here in PA. To many people who grew up with a family pet it just might not be comprehendable that domesticated animals are treated badly/differently (vs. family pets) in normal livestock facilities, much less BAD livestock facilities, and Breeders aren’t under the same legal rules as an ordinary animal owner.
Everyday people going about their lives don’t know breeding pets are actually considered LIVESTOCK and that livestock animals are under different rules. I’m still not exactly clear on why the difference is allowed to exist. if I treated my animals even close to what many breeders do on a regular basis (shudder) my animal would be taken away, and I would be called a bad person by my neighbors… But in livestock world…nope – normal. I doubt very many people know they somehow get a pass. In my ideal world, people would know better…but idealism falls short of reality. 😦
The reality vs. perception vs. idealistic gap is scaaary huge. And many people don’t want to define cultural norm, they want to adhere to it, to be safe and stay within their “known beliefs.” That’s a very weird, tough fight. However, when people become aware, it’s also really tough not to want to make the world a better place. Thank god. I just hope we’re not too slow. (note: read the The Tipping Point )
How do you figure out how to cross this knowlege gap without being repellent? People don’t even know they don’t know. People don’t seem to want to know or in the case of Puppy Mill HB 2525 law (which was NOT passed) have the expectation this is “so obvious” that of course it will get passed – it’s the right thing to do. And I admit, that mindest fits me too. After the OPRAH show, I thought it was a done deal. And the dogs have to go through another winter like that, if they make it, at best. Thousands of them. What can you do? What will tip common sense back into fashion?
Related links:
http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/abuse_connection.php
HSUS First Strike Campaign
Discovery Channel Animal Cops Philadelphia Website
Discovery Channel Animal Cops BLOG!
Pennsylvania SPCA
Philadelphia Inquirer website
Kitty Zen 
Mollie Bryant said
I loved “The Tipping Point,” partially because of how he uses sociology to make so many points. A good book.
It seems like animal law related issues have been on the collective consciousness lately…I think change will come, but it may be slow.
Brian said
I think its close to common knowledge that serial killers will “practice” on animals before they gain the confidence to use their skills on their fellow man. While I don’t wish to place equal punishments on animal cruelty to that of violent human crime, it would certainly benefit us to scrutinize the behavior further and take animal abuse more more seriously.
smallspark said
Mollie, I think you’re right but this pokiness stuns me especially since you’re right there is such national attention. I’m surprised there wasn’t more of an interest by the legislators to actually get some work done. Instead of listening to people who have to deal with the result of the output of so many animals they rather seemingly listening to the people who make money off the output and are supporting them instead.
Brian, I didn’t know that – I just found that out b/c some cats were violently killed in my neighborhood and they put of a wanted sign with that info on it. Scary. I don’t know if many people do know that b/c it seems if it did, this would keep coming up but I only have seen mention of the link occasionally. I wonder what keeps it out of mind…because for me, that’s a big connection!
Brian said
I dunno, maybe I’m just a sicko that watches too many movies and TV docs about serial killers. It’s actually one of the big indicators that something is seriously screwed up. Stop watching Animal Planet and watch more Dexter on Showtime!