Saving domestic dogs: The correlation between domestic violence and animal

Transcription

1 I have heard the cry of a dog, whose ears and head are down because of fear. I have seen how it walks with its tail between its legs with a fearful glance. I also lived in fear just like the many dogs I had such names were Lucky, Perry and Terricola. In Mexico, there is a great abundance of dogs that live in the streets, thus all of the dogs I owned came from that place. Usually, I took them with me because I saw how they passed hungry and did not had a home. But, often I think being d physically is worse than living in the streets. This dogs were part of my life. They lived with me the struggling life, the life of a child who witnessed and suffered domestic violence, and whose father was the scariest person. He was like a monster, he never had remorse of anything and never asked for forgiveness. I remember coming back from school. I entered the house and saw how my father was hitting one of my dogs with a wire too hard. He hit my dogs with things or kicked them with his feet. Also, I often thought that my dogs were lost, but in reality my dogs were hiding just like me. I lived in Mexico for twelve years and realized that machismo which means men s dominance and power because they believe they are more than women treat anyone in the most terrible and horrible way. Not only women and children are affected by this but also the friend of every human, domestic dogs. I remember crying when I saw my dad hitting my dog but I did not do anything because I feared he would hit me too. I lived in oppression and never raised my voice. I remember that my mom suggested to me and my sisters not to have dogs anymore because she did not liked to see how every day they suffered by the mistreatment of an alcoholic, uneducated, and cruel man. He told me many times not to get near the dog or else he would hit me. I remember well what hitting meant for him. Hitting meant almost killing someone, until there were blood everywhere and loud 1

2 screams. And I have to be frank and honest. I also hitted my dogs. As a child, I did exactly what my dad did. I was following his steps until I realized that I did not wanted to become a monster like my father. I feel terrible when I say this, but it s the truth and I need to be strong to confront my wrongdoings, and my biggest fears, to talk about my life. In my place of birth, Nuevo León, a state in the north of Mexico is a place where domestic violence is prevalent. According to the Office of the Attorney-General of the state of Nuevo León, the year of 2017 had about 6,904 reports of domestic violence. About 45 cases happen daily and approximate one each hour. The year of 2016 was the worst year with 17,773 denounces made. There are no recent statistics on Nuevo León about animal mistreatment, but an article of Multimedios written in 2014 say that annually 1,400 denounces of dog mistreatment are made. However, this statistics are not the exact numbers as many victims do not say anything to the authorities Animal mistreatment is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Domestic dogs are oppressed by brutal aggressors. Dogs are supposed to eat everyday as every individual. They should be showered, and live in a happily environment. A dog should be vaccinated, and be loved with all the heart. A dog can even become the best friend of anyone if it s treated with love and respect. However, that is not the case for many of them. According to an article of doghealth.com, signs of animal cruelty correlated with domestic violence are dogs tied up. Thus, being deprived of human contact or necessities such as food and water that allow the dog to survive. The time that the dog can be tied up to show mistreatment is long. Another warning sign is if the r causes physical suffering to the dog. It can be 2

3 demonstrated in many ways such as hitting the dog with something or kicking them. This is indignant and brutal! According to studies,...from 49% to 71% of battered women reported that their pets had been threatened, harmed, and or killed by their partners. There is strong correlation between domestic violence and animal. Perpetrators dogs often create a fearful environment and show their power and dominance towards those who are emotionally and mentally weak or just because they seem inferior to the perpetrator. So, what can be done in this type of situation? Personally, I believe there are many things one can do to stop this suffering in domestic dogs. To me, one of the most important things is that if anybody who knows or has seen anyone who is victim of domestic violence is that they should call 911 or to an animal welfare agency. If you are a minor, tell an adult that you trust. It is important to know that if the victim has a domestic dog, or just any animal species, the animal is also a victim. People are not the only victims of domestic violence but unfortunately animals are also. Never stay quiet and speak up the truth! I know that this can be scary but is better to speak than to not do anything and contribute to the statistics of dogs that are d. If you are being d at home physically and mentally I advise you to call the police or anyone. Tell anyone about it. If you have pets do it! Your voice can help them to end their and your suffering. Even you can save your and your dog s life. It is very important to tell what is happening. To raise awareness of dog mistreatment and to protect them, people can also educate their community by explaining the signs of animal mistreatment. This either can be 3

4 communicated through the use of social media. For example: Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram or Twitter. This is the media that most teens use this days not to only post about their lives, but to raise awareness of conflicts in society. Teens should become activists for animal rights to protect their wellbeing and to save their lives. This can not only be expressed this way but also through the use of flyers illustrating the right treatment of dogs and distribute them though the whole community with also advising the legal conflicts one must confront for this. To further demonstrate, one, as a contributor to the welfare of the society, should form a group of people to protest in the streets of your community to raise a bigger awareness of the relationship between domestic violence and animal. Just as people protest for human rights, for DACA, for equality among men and women, for education, or to fight for the deaths of women in Mexico, society should also fight for the prevention of animal. Create placards that speak the truth such as We cannot let another be d anymore! People and animals are human beings. Dress in colors such as red or black to symbolize the death and of the victims of domestic violence caused by the perpetrator. Yell so loud to make anyone hear the truth to stop this. The concoction of a T-shirt with symbols correlated with the stop of and pictures of dogs can also contribute to the awareness of animal. Knowing that domestic violence is correlated with animal is depressing. However, one can do a lot to stop this problem that has continued in our society for years but that most of us are not aware of. Dogs are human beings that have hearts and feelings just 4

5 like people. This torment should not be tolerated and must be stopped and prevented. Every person should contribute to the welfare of the world we all live in! 5

6 Bibliography Animal Cruelty: Signs and Prevention of Cruelty to Dogs. Doghealth.com. Date visited Feb. 10, < Cómo y a quién denunciar casos de maltrato animal. Multimedios. Date visited Feb. 10, < ml> Cubero, Cesar. Violencia familiar se incrementa % en NL. Milenio. Date visited Feb. 10, < as-monterrey_0_ html> Facts and Myths About Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse. Animal Welfare Institute. Date visited Feb. 10, < 6