This past week I heard a news story on the radio that made me physically ill. I am sure most of you heard the same story on the radio or read about it in the newspaper. The story reported that the Allen County Dog Warden was investigating the death of a puppy that had died an incredibly painful death. Someone had taped the puppy’s mouth shut, doused the puppy with a flammable liquid, and set the puppy on fire. To make matters even worse, the report also stated that it took a day for the puppy to die. I would imagine most of you got the same horrible feeling in your gut that I did upon hearing this story. In my profession I see animal suffering almost daily, although thankfully the vast majority of the time it is not intentionally inflicted upon the animal. If the person responsible for torturing this puppy happens to be reading this article, please stop in my office or give me a call. I would love to “discuss” my thoughts with you.

I have heard people equate this type of abuse towards animals directly to violence and abuse of people. There isn’t a direct correlation. People aren’t animals and animals aren’t people. I have never understood animal activists who say that people and animals are equal. For example, if you were in a situation where you had to make a choice between saving the life of a person or a dog, what would your choice be? I can honestly tell you I would pick the person every time, even though I would feel bad for the dog. If your choice would be the dog, remind me to not go anywhere with you and your dog.

A fact that can’t be argued was discussed in the September 27, 2008 edition of The Lima News (“Animal abuse alarming to officials” by J.D. Bruewer). The vast majority of those who abuse animals are involved in many other crimes, often involving violence towards people. Even if you couldn’t care less about this abused puppy, you better hope the guilty person is found and punished to the full extent of the law. If not, it is almost certain he or she will continue to break laws and possibly hurt other animals– or even people.

While animal rights activists seem to think all animals are entitled to most of the rights people enjoy, I can really only think of one right animals are entitled to. That is the right to be treated humanely and compassionately by people. Whether it is a puppy or kitten that we rely on for companionship or it is a cow that we rely on for meat, milk and clothing, each animal has a right to be treated well by any person who comes in contact with them. So where do I get this right from? In Genesis 1:28 God states that man is to “rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” God gave us animals to use in many ways to improve our lives here on earth. By using the word “rule”, God means we are placed in a position over animals and like all other Godly gifts, we are to take care of them, appreciate them, be thankful for them, and NOT be abusive towards them.

I don’t know if the person responsible for this puppy’s death can ever be changed. I do think the answer to preventing others from following in these footsteps is to reach them as children, teach them how to care for animals, and explain to them what they can learn from animals. On October 8th from 7:00pm-8:00pm I will be starting a club for kids called, “Animals in the Bible Club.” During this initial meeting we will have refreshments, watch a movie, and discuss details of the club. It will be for 1st-6th grade kids and will be held at my office at 8696 Spencerville Road. I will be teaching lessons about animals as a veterinarian and from a biblical point of view. If you have any questions on this club, feel free to call my office at 419-647-4854 or email aah45887@woh.rr.com.

Chad Higgins, DVM is a 1989 graduate of Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine and is the owner of Amanda Animal Hospital which is on Spencerville Rd. between Lima and Spencerville.