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A New CrueltyJackie Drakeford |
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Untill recently,
people employed dogs by refining their natural instincts with training. Dogs
guarded, hunted, drove livestock or kept dpwn vermin. Some were cosseted
and had a parallel life as human's companion, but most had to work. Because
their line of work was bred into them, they loved it, as modern working dogs
do. Though reasons were as much economical as compassionate, the result
was physically sound, mentally fulfilled dogs. Husbandry and training
methods were not always above critiscism, and neither are they now - but
for different reasons.
Nowadays more dogs are purely companions, many to people who are ignorant of a dog's natural drives and instincts. The dog has to work in ways for which it was never designed: to be an emotional prop, a surrogate child or a psychological boost.
Dogs have the humiliation of being dressed like dolls, carried where they should walk and, most shameful of all, are kept alive when a merciful end is more appropriate. There is a dark massaging of egos among certain people who keep many dogs in permanent suffering because they think it makes them look good to have "saved" those with questionable quality of life. Unsexed, unexercised, unfulfilled, overfed and sometimes carrying grievious physical injuries, these dogs did not choose this job, and are not designed to withstand the pressures.
Small wonder that behavioural problems are escalating. In truth, most of what is seen as "problems" are perfectly normal dog behaviour - it is the owners who have the problems, and no amount of keeping them as fluffy toys will cure them. This is a hidden cruelty, growing like a canker, and every bit as reprehensible as the more obvious cruelties of the past.
Nowadays more dogs are purely companions, many to people who are ignorant of a dog's natural drives and instincts. The dog has to work in ways for which it was never designed: to be an emotional prop, a surrogate child or a psychological boost.
Dogs have the humiliation of being dressed like dolls, carried where they should walk and, most shameful of all, are kept alive when a merciful end is more appropriate. There is a dark massaging of egos among certain people who keep many dogs in permanent suffering because they think it makes them look good to have "saved" those with questionable quality of life. Unsexed, unexercised, unfulfilled, overfed and sometimes carrying grievious physical injuries, these dogs did not choose this job, and are not designed to withstand the pressures.
Small wonder that behavioural problems are escalating. In truth, most of what is seen as "problems" are perfectly normal dog behaviour - it is the owners who have the problems, and no amount of keeping them as fluffy toys will cure them. This is a hidden cruelty, growing like a canker, and every bit as reprehensible as the more obvious cruelties of the past.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.