Just when I think I’ve heard it all, I received an email this morning containing a graphic video. What this video contained haunts and angers me to where there are no words to describe what it is that I feel. Actually there are but I can’t print them.
This video (no sound) showed fisherman using kittens as live bait for sharks. Where this particular video took place is anyone’s guess. I watched in horror as two black kittens were kept in a white bucket and pulled out and held up for the camera. The one kitten was held in front of the camera and he/she was so cute and oblivious to what was to happen.
I watched in total silence not making a sound because I was in a state of disbelief. As I continued to view it, the one fisherman took a big hook and pierced the kitten’s back with it. He then let the kitten dangle from the hook by a string. They didn’t show them placing the kitten in the water but one of the next scenes was of a cat paddling in the water. You could see a shark in the distance. One of the next scenes was of the two guys high-fiving each other.
I prayed this video was a hoax. Because it was early in the morning (around 5:30), I woke up my husband. Well, he was half-awake and I told him about this video. I asked him if thought it was true. I asked him to watch it. He declined. I don’t blame him.
I’ve been thinking about this video all day unable to get the images out of my head. So I decided that I might take a second look only to receive another email about a petition to stop using live kittens/cats for shark bait. This petition contains video which I wouldn’t watch. I am unable to view another video for a second time.
If you google this topic, you will find dogs are used for shark bait as well. What I learned is that this is done frequently in Venezuela but not unheard of in the U.S.
I know and understand that people from other countries do not think of pets the same way but I will never understand why. I am not naive to other cultures but why do dogs and cats have to be used and abused in horrific ways! These two types of animals are the most domesticated pets there are. This is not only true for here but in other countries.
What really infuriates me is the preferred bait for sharks is cut up fish!! The oils and the smells from the fish is what attracts the sharks to the area. Then one can surmise using live kittens is for their own sick, demented pleasure. If they really want to use shock value, they should place hooks in each other and videotape them playing chicken with the shark. Who is with me on this idea???
Here is the petition to sign. Let your voice be heard if you are as shocked as I am.