Dear Editor,
I’m writing to express my concern about the recent incident of animal cruelty where a restaurateur from Diamond New Scheme on the East Bank beat his dog so badly that her injuries could not be treated and she had to be euthanized. This individual also keeps cats in cages. Now that the Animal Welfare bill has passed, I would like to know what will happen when this man goes to court- if he’s convicted of the crime, the penalty is either a fine of between $5,000 – $20,000 or six months of jail time. Clearly, he will just pay the fine. Will the rest of the animals punishing in his yard be removed by the GSPCA and re-homed, or will they be removed and euthanized? Although one newspaper report says the animals were removed, a neighbour reports otherwise. Will this man be banned from keeping animals in the future? Who is going to be checking up on him to make sure that he does not continue to abuse animals?
As an activist and animal rescuer, it pains my heart that one can inflict so much pain and suffering on an innocent animal. I love animals and when I look into their eyes I believe it is as pure as their souls. If you can’t help them, you have no right to hurt them. I am glad the police intervened in this matter and I am hopeful that the Magistrate will ensure that justice is served, but I remain concerned.
Yours faithfully,
Genevieve Beepat
