If you are a first time visitor to Galgo News, and you wonder what we are about, this is the statement from SOS Galgos. http://www.sosgalgos.com/ (Click on the Union Jack for English language site.)
Let’s stop cruelty to animals
Cruelty towards animals can be seen in many ways:
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Neglect, abandonment, irresponsible ownership, cruel public shows using animals, or acts of overt cruelty. Acts of cruelty towards animals can only be punished in Spain with administrative sanctions: one can go to prison for having stolen a car but not for having abused an animal.
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We at SOS Galgos believe that it is about time that Spain has legislative means with which to efficiently fight cruelty towards animals: cruelty cases included in the penal code, more economic and personnel help and higher involvement from different administrations and institutions.
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Violence towards people (battered women and children) added to the saturated state of the judicial and penal systems are regular arguments for not improving the situation against cruelty towards animals.
There is increasing evidence that shows the connection between animal abuse and violence directed at humans. Taking action against animal cruelty, then signifies a benefit in the fight against violence toward humans:
1. Animal abuse may indicate that a deeper problem exists: Children who abuse animals may be living in abusive situations, and may be at risk of “graduating” to violence directed at humans.
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2. Animal cruelty may be the only visible sign of an abusive family: While child and spousal abuse usually occur behind closed doors, animal abuse is more often committed in the open.
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3. Witnesses or victims of both animal and human violence are often more comfortable talking about the animal abuse: This starts a dialogue with officials which can lead to an uncovering of the perpetrator’s human-directed violence.
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4. Violence is violence: A person who abuses animals lacks empathy for other living beings and is at risk of inflicting violence on humans.
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5. Because the judicial system is overloaded, animal abuse is not considered a priority as are murder cases, rape, battering and other violent crimes: Effective handling of animal cruelty cases by law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and the courts can mean the difference between curbing violence and permitting it to escalate.
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6. But prosecution is not enough: Treatment and monitoring are also crucial to breaking the cycle of violence. Psychological counseling can be a positive supplement to sentencing. Innovative programs which utilize hands-on interaction with animals which help build empathy, trust and the ability to communicate in a non-violent way
SOS GALGOS
TRES VET CENTRE VETERINARI
Àngel Guimerà, 17 08950 Esplugues de Ll. (Barcelona)
Albert Sordé – Anna Clements. Tel.: 00 34 607 216896 (english speaking / on parle français)
Maite Martínez Tel.: 654 401911
Emi Pérez Tel.: 676 367016
sosgalgos@sosgalgos.com