Yesterday, I received a disturbing email from a fellow animal advocate who, in turn, received a harsh email from another concerning an important animal issue – gas chamber use in PA. What I found to be troubling was the fact that the first email originated from someone who is considered a respected professional in the animal welfare field.
The original email was an attempt to verbally attack the advocate and decimate the person’s character.The last sentence of that particular email went something like this…
__________, please go f___ yourself. And the person signed it.
I will not reveal either name. I don’t believe it will further the cause of animal welfare.
The entire email was an attack of the animal advocate. It was obvious the two have a difference of opinion or perhaps their personalities clash. Whatever the reason, why did a “professional” have to resort to crude and rude remarks?
Do we not have enough discord and turbulence with the legislators that we are unable to get animal welfare bills passed in the state of PA? There is enough politicking that has prevented important animal issues to be noticed by our Representatives and Senators.
It took 28 years for the new Dog Law to pass in 2008. Since its inception, the law has become watered down and its effects have shrunken to the point that the law appears to have little or no effect on puppy mills. Yes, the number of puppy mills in PA has decreased but it is a misrepresentation of the total number of puppy mills that do exist and are hidden and where the laws are not enforced. Many, many dogs still suffer in horrific conditions to “pump out” puppies for pet stores.
Animal advocates keep fighting to get legislation passed on behalf of many animal issues but it appears to fall on deaf ears. So the battle continues with few or no new laws in the state of PA.
So why would one animal advocate resort to profanity and vulgar language to express his dislike or outrage over another’s view on an animal issue, particularly someone who is respected by others in the community?
Obviously, I can’t answer that. But resorting to such tactics solves nothing and only emboldens those who we are fighting against in this war against animal cruelty. There are people on all levels in this never-ending combat to make lives better for animals. I know many of them. Each of us can and do immerse ourselves in multiple roles for the sake of animals. I admire those on the frontline who work each day picking up feces and washing down kennels, to those who foster, to those who educate, to those fighting to change laws to those adopting animals and to those who donate their time and money to these causes.
I admire those who think outside the box to help animals. For it those type of people who will make the difference in the lives of animals. And we need more of these people since so many animals suffer at the hands of those who could care less about a living, breathing animal who does have feelings and has the ability to hurt.
Why would anyone begrudge someone who doesn’t think like him or her? I think we need to listen to other views so we can make efficient and necessary changes for the sake of the animals.
Let it be a reminder, that no one or position is inferior or superior to another in the animal welfare world. All roles are needed for the welfare of the animals. We need to work together as a team.
There is a time to speak up but there is also time to shut up. Animal advocates have a right to be angry when we see crimes committed against animals, the abuse at the hands of those who depend on them and allowing animals to suffer. Yes, you see profane language being used on social networking sites to describe people’s outrage over criminal acts quite often.
Those in charge need to realize they are to set an example for others and not resort to character assassination and vulgar language. The message is lost and only speaks volumes about that person rather than the person who is being attacked.
Hopefully, our energies can be placed elsewhere……where it matters….fighting for the animals and not with each other.
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