EDITORIAL — If you can’t help, then just don’t hurt them

Why is it that some people are insensitive to animals or just downright cruel to them?

Consider these following cases:

A bus company based in Pangasinan is now facing scrutiny following a complaint by a pet owner that a bus conductor didn’t allow her to carry her cat in a carrier in the main compartment. He threw the carrier into the baggage compartment then said if the cat might die of heat there it won’t be much of a problem anyway because it’s just a cat. The owner got her cat and got on another bus.

In Bulacan, a construction worker has been charged for beating to death a dog and then burning it. The dog earlier escaped from its owner’s house when the man came upon it.

Also in a Bulacan market, a man picked up a cat then twice hurled it to the ground. It eventually died. Charges are planned to be filed against the man who allegedly owns a stall in that market.

In Bacolod City, a cat was shot with a dart in the eye. Animal activists and concerned citizens have yet to determine who attacked the animal.

We are sure there are other forms of animal cruelty, although it would seem that those committed against stray animals or pets make it to the internet or news more than those done on farm animals or other types. But then again there is that video of a carabao rolling down a hill after allegedly collapsing from being overworked.

It isn’t easy to watch.

While they may not be on the same level of intelligence and awareness as humans, animals have feelings too. Including hunger which forces many of them to root through trash to look for a bite just to survive. Fear which causes them to run away from threats. And love that has them coming to their owners for cuddles and comfort.

But then again, not all animals are lucky enough to have owners, or good owners for that matter.

It makes sense what animal advocates say about strays or animals in general: If you can’t help them then at least don’t hurt them.