Pets versus people

My recent stories about the abandoned, neglected dogs and cats at a home in Eaton County kept my phone ringing and my e-mail box stuffed.
A few of those who phoned me were sobbing as they tried to express their grief and outrage.
So what about all the humans abandoned by society?

It’s a proven fact in this business that stories and columns about abandoned pets always — ALWAYS — inspire more reaction than pieces about, say, the destitute, or the homeless.
One theory: Many people believe that discarded human beings are at least partially responsible for their plight, whereas animals are always entirely innocent.

Comments

[amac]

Yes, but John, these dogs were chained to a post without the ability to save themselves.

It isn't often, if ever, that we read a media story about a human being chained to a post outside in sub-zero temperatures.

That amounted to a death sentence and that is why people get more upset when the media reports cruelty against animals or children; because animals and children normally are the most vulnerable creatures among us, dependent upon the goodwill of adult human beings.

[amac]

In short, unless they are seriously mentally deficient, adult humans can take the steps necessary to survive; children, infants and animals chained to posts outside in sub-zero temperatures cannot.

That is why these stories provoke such outrage.

[L.C.]

Just remember that there is a difference between Animal WELFARE and Animal RIGHTS and that the local Humane Societies do good work, whereas the HSUS is NOT a government entity and doesn't run any shelters, and is a radical Animal Rights entity devoted to doing away with our pets. They raked in lots of contributions when they milked the heinous Vick dog-fighting situation, yet they never had any of the dogs in their care. Also witness the recent undercover video of slaughterhouse abuses--they didn't say how many plants they infiltrated before they found ONE that was abusing animals, and if they were truly concerned about the abuses, and the potential harm to people consuming beef from that plant, they wouldn't have sat on the video footage or weeks or months before leaking it to the media, but would have gone directly to the USDA or other authorities. I wish the media would investigate HSUS and PETA and expose them for the frauds that they are. There are laws already in place to prevent abuse, but they need to be enforced, and lack of manpower is an ongoing problem.

[Annie]

John, your final paragraph theory took the words right out of my mouth. For thousands of years, man has domesticated animals and made them dependent upon us for food, shelter and care. They are not the wild animals they were as wolves roaming the earth. We chose to do this to them, although some theories suggest they chose us. Either way, they are dependent upon us through our own desire. We created that situation. But a lonely, homeless person, even if they are in that situation through no fault of their own, is capable of reaching out to fellow humans for help. There are a multitude of societies, associations, groups and organizations to care for people in need, much of which is funded through our taxes, although so many of us also support these people through charitable gifts. Yes, they are partially responsible for their fate. If they choose not to see their own need, who are we to cry for them?

[Pete]

"One theory: Many people believe that discarded human beings are at least partially responsible for their plight, whereas animals are always entirely innocent."

Sometimes, but I think moreso is that in the case of humans, they ultimately *are* responsible for themselves. Yes, we should strive to help others in need. And yes, things can happen that are beyond our control. But the thing that separates man from animals is that we are ultimately self-sufficient.

Animals, especially domestic animals, fully rely on humans for their existence. ESPECIALLY when they're chained outside.

Come on, John....this isn't even remotely the same.

[NK]

It's very sad that we find ourselves arguing about the welfare of homeless people vs. homeless animals - can't we find it in our hearts to help both? These two situations have one important thing in common: we, as a society, have the power to change them for the better. While there are a lot of good people out there, I don't think there are enough people with the will to change things. And it is truly unfortunate that there aren't nearly enough people in government with the desire to make it happen, either.

[Joseph]

Pets are completely dependent on people for shelter, food, proper care etc., People are self-sufficient and have the ability to care for themselves. John, you mention people as "discarded" human beings. People make decisions and can mostly fend for themselves. Perhaps we discard pedophiles, rapists and other criminal degenerates, so the h*ll what? Do you really expect us to have sympathy for such low lifes?. Because pets are helpless creatures who rely on us, I do believe we are obligated to treat them with dignity, respect and care. The woman who abandoned these animals, I don't care what her situation is, she should be prosecuted. There are numerous people who would care for the animals for her. To leave them is absolute squalor and make no effort to have them cared for during her absence is inexcusable.
I have no sympathy for the pet owner either.

[b hunter]

Eaton County does NOT do its job when it comes to animals. People with kennel licenses never get checked out once they get them. I am wondering where the neighbors were though when the woman was there without electricity or water. She couldn't have been taking very good care of them even then. No one cared as long as it "appeared" someone was there..I'd also say if the person was in their right mind, they'd have probably asked for help and got it somewhere, people do that.

[freddycrosswire]

i'm not so sure the people in Haiti who are literally eating dirt have the opportunity to "reach out" or are responsible for their plight or can fend for themselves. yet that story didn't generate anything close to what this has. it's interesting the outcry when it's a pet close to home as opposed to a human far away.

[b hunter]

I have always contributed a little to every organization that has called me with a sob story. But I still wonder how someone could live under those circumstances without water and electric with two dogs outside and cats, with no one noticing. They were still outside peeing blood with practically no shelter. No one cared about ANY of them THEN. I think you have your wires crossed Freddy, there are tons of organizations to help people in other places.. But I think this was right under everyones noses and like it or not, people care about helpless animals.