State-sanctioned animal abuse reflects moral decay

The violent death of two defenceless elderly brothers at their home in Castlebar has unleashed grief and anger.

People are shocked. Is there any moral boundary in our society? Life has become valueless. Criminals have set their moral compass at zero.

But look at society: criminality taints every level. The divide between ‘legal’ and illegal criminality is non-existent. The stench of a rotting society seems the fragrance to wear.

This moral decay extends into our treatment of the non-human members of our society.

Every day brings reports of animal abuse. Despite the best efforts of animal welfare groups and the gardaí, animal abuse is increasing in its scale and viciousness.

Efforts to tackle animal abuse fall at the first hurdle, because the abuse is sanctioned by the Government, in the form of hunting with hounds, hare coursing, and entertainment activities that involve animals.

Until all forms of hunting with dogs are rendered illegal, society cannot deal with animal abuse.

Animal abuse represents an assault on the non-human members of our society and should not be tolerated, defended or allowed to be promoted by those who have lost all connection with a conscience. Irish society is in moral decay.

Life for the human and the non-human has been rebranded as valueless. Anger can be vented at the tragic events in Castlebar, but soon it will evaporate, until the next incident.

What is required to remedy this societal rot is an overhaul of attitudes, backed up by clear legislation and cohesive legal punishment.

The time for tears can wait, the time for action cannot.

John Tierney

Campaigns Director Association of Hunt Saboteurs

PO Box 4734

Dublin 1