Angela Donovan

World News and Views

 

There are some news items that really do get to me and if they are stories close to my heart they never fail to have major effect – I find myself having to block the thoughts they create before they weaken my entire system and render me useless!

 

Having said that, I also wish to share information whether it’s upsetting or not. ‘Information is power’ they say, so the more we equip ourselves with knowledge and ‘the knowing’ the better and greater our awareness will be not only for our own benefit but also for those around us. 

 

For which reason when it happens I will be writing up stories ‘of the moment’ – the ones that have particularly ‘got’ to me – to share with you.  And in return I would love to hear your news and views (whether you agree with mine or not) or, if you feel they can be shared via my website, the news items that have ‘got’ to you in the same way (but they must be bona fide and accurately sourced). Please email them to me on: angela@angeladonovan.com

 

Now the one that’s really got to me this time has come from China – some of you may have seen it already. 

 

The Chinese Government have recently issued a directive ordering the culling of cats in Beijing, having earlier fed the people full of the fear that cats (whether pet or stray) are carriers of disease and children are therefore very vulnerable. This is believed to be all part of the authorities’ ‘clean-up’ for a pristine, green city ready for the 2008 Olympics, which has also targeted the homeless who are relentlessly being shifted to camps outside the city environs, whilst any polluting factories are being ordered to shut down or move.  

 

My beef is not with the actual culling of the animals but with the whole essence of the Chinese culture as handed down and condoned by its leaders, all of whom seem totally numb and insensitive to the immense suffering they are wreaking on both animal and human.  I am reminded of the words ‘lead by example’ and in this case their example seems a sick one indeed.  All my life I have advocated that humanity ceases and turns away from the suffering it visits on those less able than itself.

 

And when it comes to animals, while I am not adverse to a fast and painless death I am incensed at the blind ignorance and attitude of allowing pain and torture to continue for the poor creature before death gets its welcome release. So I am disgusted to learn that these cats are either being left in tiny cages in various pounds to slowly die from disease or starvation, or being transported to restaurants where they become a delicacy, along with dogs and other more exotic animals.  Some are even finding their way to restaurants in Guangz Hoi City in south China, a place well-known for its tourism – and equally well-known (amongst the Chinese) for serving cats, dogs etc.  What isn’t mentioned is how they cook them. Let me tell you (and regrettably I have seen it) they boil them alive.

 

I am aware that torture, cruelty and suffering exists in every country around the world, both to Man and Animal, and I believe one of the ways this can be lessened and eventually eradicated is by us caring and sharing enough information like this, shaming those who should know better, and bringing it to world attention and make a difference.

 

And by this means helping us seek and find true spirituality and awareness – for I also believe that every human deed that causes suffering - to animal or human - will be reflected ten-fold upon the person who causes it after their physical death. 

 

HOT NEWS: CHINA - 2010:

 

January - It has been reported that the traditional Chinese 'fragrant meat' dish of boiled DOG and CAT (and by the way, this usually means boiled alive) is at last becoming unpopular amongst the more educated Chinese.

 

There is now a draft law expected to go before Parliament in April this year which would ban the sale of cat and dog meat. I do hope this also bans the breeding, keeping and selling of live dogs and cats for the same purpose.

 

The immense suffering and pain that so many animals have endured before the relief of death is a disgrace to humanity.

 

Srinagar, Kashmir: In another story of striking contrast, authorities in Indian-Administered Kashmir have recently cancelled plans to poison up to 100,000 dogs with strychnine as part of their anti-rabies program, all thanks to the successful protest from animal rights groups.  The authorities are now working on plans to sterilize the strays in co-operation with animal welfare groups and the federal health ministry, according to Syed Haq Nawaz, commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, which can only be good news, even if sadly some 500 dogs had already suffered a tormented death before the cull was called to a halt.