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The beating of one dog and the poisoning of two others in Rockingham County last week are inexcusable acts of violence and torture, which obviously cannot be tolerated. One man faces felony charges in the beating.
Still, one could argue that, although these are crimes, there are more important things on which to focus. Local food banks and charities, for example, are urging people to donate in the face of an economic recession that will probably get a lot worse before it begins to lessen. Pantries, such as the one operated by the Red Cross, have run out of food, and many county residents can only pray for help in paying the rent and keeping the heat on. The Hanesbrands plant in Eden is expected to close early next year, sending another wave of people to an employment office already serving one of the highest percentages of out-of-work residents in the state.
And, by the way, it’s the Christmas season, and some children in the county will find few presents under the tree this year. Some may find none.
Animals will tumble down the priority list, and some will even be abandoned, as owners can no longer afford to care for their pets. Some will be left at the animal shelter, where they will probably be euthanized. At least they will die in peace, as others will starve and still others will be tortured, beaten and poisoned, as was the case in Eden when a pair of dogs ingested antifreeze. The dogs survived, largely because they had a caring owner who noticed signs of trouble and immediately took them to a veterinarian. A dog that allegedly was tied and beaten with a metal bat will also survive, again because of sheriff’s deputy who responded and rushed the dog in for treatment.
We all have much on our minds these days, but, as we’ve said before, how we treat our animals says much about us. If you plan to give a dog or cat for Christmas, do so by rescuing one from the county shelter. And, most important, make sure it will be cared for and loved. Living their final days at the shelter isn’t the best option for our abandoned and unwanted animals, but it’s better than the alternative of dying at the hands of a hateful owner or a heartless neighbor.
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Reader Reactions
What ever Dr. Lady. Now the guy is abusing his children and turning into a serial killer. That sounds a little nutty to me. Maybe he just don’t like the dog. Maybe the dog chewed his couch all to pieces. Ever think about that? Now you write back and tell me what he should have done with the dog. I know you will. He could have shot the dog and ate it just to keep the dog population down.
This is the season for giving, Christmas Spirits should be high along with good cheer. With the economy in the toilet, people are scared, and worried about what is around the corner. Even with this in mind doesn’t give that man the right to go beat an animal.
Studies show that those who abuse animals are most likely to abuse their spouse and children. Men who beat on women are cowards and wouldn’t even dream of trying to beat on a man, especially one that is their size or bigger. It is a bully syndrome….Sick…
Remember Ted Bundie? May have his last name spelled wrong…you know the serial killer, he started out torturing and killing animals and then went to doing so to humans.
It is a power trip and control issues, actually the man should have gotten jail time along with a provision that included psychiatric evaluation and therapy mandated. Most of the time people who abuse animals, children, and wives have underlying problems that jail time won’t cure.
Yes, children need their parents, but if the parent is abusing them then they don’t need them until after they get professional help.
There is a big difference between hunting for game and abuse. Killing for food is usually a quick death to the animal and controls population of deer etc. Just going out and beating a helpless dog with a bat is not acceptable. Wake up people…if you turn a blind eye and say let the man go home there are other things more important you are condoning the actions. Sure it may be just a dog but that dog has feelings too…did this man’s kids see him beat the animal? If so what does that do to the child? What kind of message does it pass on to that child? Ok to beat an animal with a bat? Instilling fear into the child? What effects will it have on a child? Yes, the man should get jail time but he also needs therapy as well….
Lesson in history, the Humane Society started cruelty to animal laws to protect horses etc. I forget the date. The Humane Society eventually used the cruelty to animal laws to prosecute it’s first child abuse case and therefore starting the wheels for laws to be set for child abuse.
No sueb, I do not know this man. This information was stated in previous article along with his photo. I like to be informed before I spout my mouth off. Where do you get these percentages from? Hunters kill animals every day. Does that mean they go home and beat their children? No it doesn’t. I was just saying the children need their dad more than the county needs another inmate.
I’m so sorry, you must know the man who beat the dog since you know he has a daughter and children…..(not stated in the article) percentages show ... cruel to animals cruel to children
Good thing he beat the animal and not his daughter. Maybe sueb should be worried more about people. This man has children for Christ sake. I don’t condone what this man did but he needs to be there for the child. Thanks
People who abuse animals should be given severe jail time. There is no excuse for hurting a helpless animal.I hope the man who beat the dog gets jail time. Thank you
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