DVM
In a recent article, the Tobago Animal Hospital highlighted some of the lesser publicised dog abuse cases on the island of Tobago.
Far too often, dog abuse goes unreported and those responsible go unpunished. But for every case of dog abuse, there are possibly several cases of farm animal abuse.
However, because farm animals are less common than their pet counterparts to most households, there is often a disconnect with the general populace—and accordingly, far less attention paid—to the suffering they endure.
So, despite the limited actions taken by the head of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to improve the matter, many officers outright ignore complaints of pet animal abuse. And therefore, when it comes to farm animals, given the points noted above, it often feels as though the police could not care less.
What does this mean in practice? Well, farm animals are sexually assaulted, including buggery, far more frequently than one might think. And there was a recent case of a young cow in Tobago that had become overwhelmingly sick and was just left for dead in the road in the Black Rock area.
It is therefore important to remind our readers to be empathetic and considerate of all other animals. Regardless of an animal’s perceived purpose, all animals should be provided with the five freedoms listed below:
Freedom from hunger and thirst: All animals should have access to potable water at all times, and should be provided with an adequate quantity of nutritionally well-balanced food.
Freedom from discomfort: An animal’s artificial environment should closely mimic its housing and environment in the wild as far as possible.
Freedom from pain, injury, or disease: Animals should be maintained in optimal health. Consultation with veterinary professionals, and not the neighbour or friend, is mandatory for care.
Freedom from fear and distress: Like humans, animals can remember the abuse and suffer trauma and mental anguish. Prey species, such as rabbits, sheep, and cattle, ought not to be exposed to predators. Dogs and chickens should not be made to fight or attack each other.
Freedom to express normal behaviour within reason: Animals should be permitted to exhibit normal healthy behaviours, provided that those behaviours do not negatively impact themselves or others. So goats should not eat the lettuce from the local garden, and cats should not hunt and destroy rare and endangered species of birds and lizards.
At the Tobago Animal Hospital, we condemn strongly all acts of abuse, including neglect. No animal should be allowed to suffer. For more information on this or any other health topic related to your pet, farm, or wild animal, please call us (868) 239-7837.
