As a Buddhist meditation practitioner, I strongly feel that a society that treats its animals with abuse, contempt, recklessness and inconsiderate attitude is a society whose bondage to suffering caused by greed, hate, and ignorance will be very hard to cut.
It will have a very hard time attaining the ultimate state of spiritual liberation and freedom from human sufferings.
Its citizens cause its own sufferings by the negativities (greed, hate, and ignorance) that rule their hearts and minds and dictate their actions and decisions.
Unless it seeks wisdom and enlightenment, its people will continue to live in pain and confusion as a result of their unwholesome and negative actions and intentions.
Animals are sentient beings with minds or consciousness of their own.
Animals understand the meaning and the sensation of fear, pain, death, and other sufferings of mind and body.
Humans do not have the monopoly over the universal and natural right to life, dignity and peace of mind.
Humans live in a culture of ignorance and delusion.
They arrogantly believe that they are the masters of the universe.
Traditional world religions have perpetuated this false view and illusion.
The Philippines, just like any other civilized society, has its own laws which penalize cruelty to animals.
But due to lack of serious and proper law enforcement and due to cultural idiosyncrasies (e.g., mountain aborigines who prefer to kill and eat dogs as appetizers during alcohol-based rites and socials), the barbaric and repulsive phenomenon of cruelty to and trafficking of animals continues.
I admire America for the effective operation of its justice system in relation to the swift and fair enforcement of its animal welfare laws.
For instance, please read below a recent news item on the matter. A US court convicted an American for beating his puppy to death.
Brooklyn Man Convicted of Beating His Puppy to Death
By Joel Zand on March 12, 2010 10:56 AM
http://blogs.findlaw.com
Dudley Ramsay (right), a 25-year-old Brooklyn man was convicted by a New York City jury today for beating his five-month-old dachshund puppy 'Junior' to death.
According to charges and evidence presented by the Brooklyn District Attorney at trial before Judge Gary, the 260-pound Ramsay severely beat the puppy, later claiming that he was trying to discipline it.
Testimony at trial by an officer from the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement agency testified that Ramsay told the officer, "I think I need help with anger management because I killed my first dog too."
How did Ramsay he beat the young puppy? According to evidence presented at trial, with repeated violence that included:
Punching the puppy several times;
Throwing him against a bathtub,
Waiting several hours before taking his dachshund puppy to get medical help from a veterinarian.
The animal autopsy, or necropsy, performed on Junior after he died revealed that the young puppy had extensive internal injuries from the violent attack.
These included six fractured ribs, along with damage to the pup's lungs and liver.
Ramsay was convicted of both felony and misdemeanor charges, including:
Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Class-E Felony
Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals, a Class-A Misdemeanor.
Ramsay faces up to two years in prison when he is sentenced May 7, 2010 for the crimes.
See:
http://blogs.findlaw.com/courtside/2010/03/brooklyn-man-convicted-of-beating-his-puppy-to-death.html
