Have you all heard about the death of the 49 released exotic animals that occurred in Ohio? Well it happened, and I am beyond upset about it. As of this post, there are still a few animals at-large but the vast majority have been shot and killed. PETA, the Humane Society, and others are calling for the ban of the Exotic Animal Trade. While I think this is something that should have been banned many moons ago, the fact remains that this is a grotesque and accurate example of our relationship to animals. These poor creatures were taken from their natural environments and most likely abused (according to some reports). As if that weren't enough punishment (for what they are receiving punishment I do no know), they were released and murdered.
I am absolutely heart broken because I feel that I have been let down as a vegan, an activist, a compassionate person, and a fellow animal. This is not justice. This is not safety. These animals were slaughtered when other options were present. Although there were attempts made to tranquilize them, ultimately many were killed. Not just a couple, or a few, or several...but dozens are now dead. Why is no one talking about this? Yes, animals might be kept safe from situations like this if we banned the Exotic Animal Trade. Would this make people re-think the relationship that we have with animals? No. Experts should have been called in to deal with this situation so that the lives of these creatures could be preserved. I blame the Ohio police force for these actions, but I do value their bravery and commitment to keeping residents safe. I understand that this was probably a shocking and difficult situation to deal with, but the fact remains that they were not experts and should not have had to deal with this situation alone. With the proper guidance, the lives lost could have been saved.
Simply put, we need to stop killing animals. When our own personal safety or comfort is at risk, we should not compromise the safety and comfort of the life around us. Animals are not ours to eat, kill, exploit, or otherwise take advantage of.
With all of this in mind, I've been feeling really down lately. I listen to Food For Thought, a vegetarian/vegan podcast that is free and readily available from the Compassionate Cooks website. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau writes and narrates the podcast that deals with all things related to animals and their consumption/use/exploitation/etc. It is very even-keeled as always, and I relay on it greatly for support. I am the only vegan I know and listening to it makes me feel like I have a welcoming community that supports and cares about me.
I wrote to Colleen yesterday about my frustrations with this issue. Unfortunately she is travelling, but one of the other people at Compassionate Cooks was kind enough to help me out. Below is the transcription of my e-mail followed by a response:
Colleen,
I don't know what to do. The news of the Ohio animal slaughter has simultaneously enraged and depressed me. Many of the animal rights groups that I look to for support on this are calling for a ban on the exotic animal trade. While I can get behind this whole-heartedly, the issue is BIGGER than that. These animals were senselessly murdered when other alternatives were present. I lived in Jackson, NJ when an escaped tiger was shot just a few years ago and I remember the outrage that the community felt then...but where is this now? We need not only a ban on the exotic animal trade but also a response to this senseless violence.
Could you address this in your podcast? I just simply do not know what to do with myself.
Hopefully,
Fallon
Hello Fallon,Thank you for reaching out to us. We all share your dismay and anger at the senselessness of this event. Colleen's traveling right now, but I wanted to step in and get back to you as soon as possible because I can hear the desperation in your message and don't want you to feel unheard right now.
Yes, Colleen will certainly add this to her list of potential topics for a podcast - it is certainly a very good one. But in the meantime, we need to help you find a way through what you're feeling right now. You said you don't know what to do with yourself and that's a natural reaction born of powerlessness. But you know, there are ways to channel this feeling into something positive. No, you cannot change the outcome for those animals who were killed, but you can direct the focus on your rage and upset into helping someone in your local community. It is not the same, I know, but it may help you manage your feelings towards this and bring something positive to the situation.
Let me give you an analogy: several months ago, a dog - Patrick - was found almost starved to death in New York (perhaps, New York, I don't remember) and The Patrick Movement was born. I learned about this case and the movement through Facebook and, being a parent to 2 rescued dogs, I was horrified and outraged and depressed by our ability to be so cruel to those who are so powerless to defend themselves. However, the Patrick Movement encouraged everyone who friended them on Facebook to go to their local dog pound or shelter and make a donation - toys, blankets, food etc - in Patrick's name. And to explain who he is and why we were doing this. I did this, got to know some folks at my local pound and made a few connections. I recently moved house (Massachusetts to California) so when the time came to get rid of surplus bedding, sheets etc etc etc, I knew exactly where to take it and the pound now has more bedding than they know what to do with! :)
My point is this: yes, the issue is bigger than a ban on the exotic animal trade, and yes, it is infuriating that people are so blind and apathetic at times, but you - as a single person - can only do so much and it is not going to change overnight, no matter how much we fervently wish it would. Write to your local newspapers, support the groups calling for reform, get out and leaflet, do all of these things, but remember also to take care of yourself and to channel the powerful feelings you have right now into something that will let you see direct, immediate change for an animal in your community. Working on the short-term, practical level, at the same time as the long-term political level, will help you keep your sanity and keep you effective as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
I hope this helps, Fallon - please email me if there's anything else I can do.
Warmest wishes,
Amanda
I feel as if a weight has been lifted off of my chest (if only temporarily). Whomever Amanda is, she has certainly touched my life. In a moment when I was full of despair and hopelessness, she helped me realize that action can be taken...and it can be effective. I'm not sure where to go from here, but I know that I will be helping a local animal shelter to prepare for winter. This has been a plan of mine for awhile before these atrocities occurred, but there is no time when it would be more appropriate.
So thats what I'm doing this weekend. Stepping up to the plate and giving back.
How about you?
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