Warning: Another vent post :)
“And suddenly, I looked at the bull. He had this innocence that all animals have in their eyes, and he looked at me with this pleading. It was like a cry for justice, deep down inside of me. I describe it as being like a prayer - because if one confesses, it is hoped, that one is forgiven. I felt like the worst shit on earth.”
This photo shows the collapse of Torrero Alvaro Munera, as he realized in the middle of the his last fight… the injustice to the animal. From that day forward he became an opponent of bullfights.
I don't know how true this is, I haven't looked into it further than this post that was on Facebook. But, I hope it's true because this made me cry. Now, I am not an animal activist really, I do however believe in animal rights. I am not a PETA or ASPCA supporter beyond the fact that somewhere, somehow they may be helping animals out a little bit when they aren't spending money on making porn sites, trying to shut down the American cowboy's ranches or sending me freaking calenders and address return labels for my measly $50 I once was able to afford to donate to their "cause". Now, I donate my $ and time to local causes where I know it is doing some good. Anyways, back to Mr. Bull. Like I said, I cried. Because #1: I love animals, I honestly cannot see how on earth you could ever willingly and knowingly hurt one unless it was absolutely necessary (ex: wolves... but, that is a story for a different time haha). And, I know our bulls are very different from the bulls they use in bull fights, but not really. They "fight" back simply because they are scared, not because they are mean or they charge at any red piece of fabric that taunt them. My bulls are the sweetest large animals around and I have seen that "innocence" in their eyes as well. Do I believe if I were to taunt them and scare them that they would act aggressively? Yes. That's why we don't. When it comes down to it that's how most animals are. Dogs don't willingly bite you unless egged on or taken by surprise or (because they are very loyal animals) consider themselves to be "protecting" at times. And so on.
I don't want to get all upset and go on and on about things I've seen, heard and experienced when it comes to misbehavior and abuse to animals. But, from what I have seen, heard and experienced has broken my heart. I become a blubbering mess when I think about it. I honestly cannot fathom in my every being how someone could smash a tiny kitten into the dashboard of their truck like it were nothing more than a dirty sock, how someone could put firecrackers into a dog's mouth and watch as it explodes and mutilates it's face, how someone could spur their horse so bad it leaves gashes into it's sides big enough to fit my entire fist into the wound, how teenage girls could bury cats underground until their heads are poking out and run over them with lawnmowers, how some ignorant person could let a sheep's udders get so bad with mastitis to where it's bag is bigger than the rest of her body and dragging on the floor while she tries to walk and then he has the gall to haul her around to an auction to be sold for a whole $1.75. I don't understand why people hit, kick, bash their heads, smash their paws/hooves, poke their eyes, feed them hurtful things, inflict all kinds of pain to these innocent, sweet, just-want-to-please-you animals. They are a gift to us on this earth, could you imagine not having them here? Could you imagine not having the things cows, pigs, sheep or chickens give us? Could you imagine not having that soft, purring cat on your lap or that wagging tail when you walk through the door? Um, I can't.
Please, for the love of everything cute and cuddly {giggles} do not tolerate and definitely do not abuse your animals! There should be no fine line between disciplining and beating your animals. It should be a huge, definite line. They are all smart (well, sheep not so much, you got me there haha), they know when they've done wrong, simply let them know that, don't beat the living crap out of them for it.
Here are a couple things you can do to help if you are interested:
- Spay and neuter your pets. The less unwanted animals out there the less abuse. I know, I know, I am preaching to the choir here, I am guilty of not doing this. I need to get on the ball and neuter Blue & Doc and when Dolly's puppies are all gone (she's pregnant BTW) I am getting her spayed.
- Learn the best ways to discipline your animals. For instance with Coatsy, all he needs is a firm "no". He was abused before so he knows when he's done wrong, I think he tortures himself more than I ever could now because he is so scared when he does something wrong, I just let him know I'm not pleased. For horses, well, every one is different. I am sick of people telling me that they need to "fear" you in order to learn... BS, our horses love us, they do what we want out of respect because we show them mutual respect. Our cows sometimes need to learn a lesson because they will charge us when their babies are near, we just remove them from their calves until they realize "hey, if I mind my own business, I get my baby back". That sounds mean but it's better than beating them and making them scared on top of protecting their young.
- Donate to your local animal shelter. They always need hay for abandoned and starved horses, dog beds, cat toys, food food & more food and medicine.
- Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Help them walk the dogs, cuddle the cats, feed the livestock, clean cages.
- ADOPT! I am in love with my rescue dog Coatsy. He was found roaming the streets in Star Valley in the middle of winter with burns, scars and frost bitten ears. He was a wreck when we first got him. It was so hard, I almost gave up and sent him back a couple of times. Now we couldn't imagine not having him. Adopting an abused animal is not for everyone, if you aren't willing to help them work through their trauma than simply adopting another animal still is an awesome thing!
- Speak up. Do not put up with animal abuse around you. I let that sheep rancher have a piece of my mind about that mastitis wreck he brought to the auction. I don't know if he took it to heart but at least one person let him know how that was not acceptable.
- Keep sharing the message.
- Love your animals. That's all they want.
(How could you abuse this???)
(Or neglect this???)
Joey picked me a flower while we were on a walk together. He's such a sweetheart :)
