By Terry Orr
What is Animal
Cruelty?
Before researching material for this article, I thought the
answer would be rather straightforward with little to no gray area. Wrong. Mspca.org provides this definition:
One definition, sometimes used by judiciary authorities, the
MSPCA and other humane law enforcement officials, is found in Blacks Law
Dictionary:
Cruelty to Animals. The infliction of physical pain,
suffering or death upon an animal, when not necessary for purposes of training
or discipline or (in the case of death) to procure food or to release the
animal from incurable suffering, but done wantonly, for mere sport, for the
indulgence of a cruel and vindictive temper, or with reckless indifference to
its pain.
Treat the earth and all that dwell
therein with respect
Take from the Earth what is needed
and nothing more
Dedicate a share of your efforts to
the greater good
All life is sacred, treat all beings
with respect
Take full responsibility for your
actions
Granny taught us early in life to
respect all God’s creatures. It was ok to fish, hunt, and raise livestock for
our food – but also not to waste. Sharing with others is always good and the
right thing to do. As children growing
up, we were unaware of the Native American Ten Commandments and any direct link
to their way of life – that connection came later in life.
I believe we all have a
responsibility to respect all of his creatures, to take care of them and
protect them from abuse.
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