| …GSPCA calls on police to act against slaughter of caged pitsThe Guyana Police Force is currently investigating the circumstances that led to police ranks shooting to death several pit-bull dogs, two of which were involved in a vicious attack against their owner. The dogs were killed with the aid of police ranks by members of the community, at Ogle Street, Beterverwagting East Coast Demerara.While some have expressed anger over the killing of the dogs that were penned and not involved in the attack against owner Rochelle Callender, the police say they are also looking into the matter where police ranks used their firearms against the animals.It was noted also that the dog owner has not given a statement about the slaughter of the dogs, but the matter is being reviewed.The Guyana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) has called for the prosecution of those persons involved in the slaughtering of the caged pit-bulls. Commenting on a video on the slaughter of the caged animals, the body said in a letter to the media that, “It was a barbaric display – if one can bear to watch it – and a stark reminder of the plague of violence that grips our society.”While complimenting those who rescued the dog owner from the pits’ vicious attack, the GSPCA said that these said persons should be prosecuted for the cruel act performed against the pit-bulls which were locked helplessly in their cage.“On this video, we see a group of men mercilessly beating and hacking these animals, which were still penned, to a painful death.”“The Guyana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) has consistently warned of the link between violence towards animals and violence towards fellow human beings. The website of PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a major welfare organisation, notes that “violent acts toward animals have long been recognized as indicators of a dangerous psychopathy that does not confine itself to animal abuse.”“Surely there was a more civilised way to deal with the remaining dogs in the pens than to descend into the primal chopping frenzy that ensued. This incident was animal cruelty at its very worst. It will surely cast Guyana in a very bad light, given the intolerance developed societies have for such atrocities on animals; and without question, the perpetrators of this animal cruelty must be charged accordingly.”“With plenty of video evidence available, the GSPCA calls on the Guyana Police Force to enforce our country’s animal welfare laws and bring the offenders before our courts. Meanwhile, the GSPCA will reach out to those international animal welfare organisations with which it is affiliated so as to ensure this incident receives the attention it necessitates.” |
