Cruelty to animals - How could they do it?

TODAY we carry a report and pictures that will disturb anyone who cares for animal welfare. Even as the full human horror unfolds in Haiti the scale of the cruelty and indifference of the animals’ owners is staggering.

In what is a sobering metaphor for the way our world has changed four horses were left starve to death on a disused golf course on the outskirts of Cork city. At least 10 other emaciated horses or ponies were on the site outside Blarney village yesterday.

Many people made commitments to keep animals that are no longer possible. Some bought pets at Christmas that they can no longer care for. No matter what their circumstances no one should abandon or leave an animal to starve to death. There are options that do not involve terrible cruelty and they should be availed of.