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’Tis season to suffer
• CHRISTMAS is traditionally seen as a season of peace and goodwill to all men but, sadly, this does not extend to other creatures.
It is obvious that animals suffer at this time of year more than any other. Millions of turkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, ducks, geese, chickens and fish are slaughtered to provide fare for the Christmas table. This is a ritual sacrifice. In my view, this shedding of blood contradicts the very spirit of Christmas. According to the Christmas story, there were animals in the manger who witnessed the birth of Christ. Families across the country will sit down to roast turkey with no thought of how the bird was reared in a stinking factory farm or the manner of its death. There are many wonderful vegetarian recipes as alternatives.
On another note, please don’t buy a pet at Christmas. The noise, hustle and bustle are not a good time to bring home a tiny, frightened puppy or kitten. Every year after Christmas, when the cute and cuddly animal becomes a nuisance, it is often simply abandoned or handed over to the RSPCA and other hard-pressed rescue organisations.
These people do not take into account that there will be mess to clear up, that dogs bark, sometimes chew up clothes and need to be walked every day and that food and veterinary fees are high.
A dog and any other pet is not a toy for Christmas but needs love and care for the whole of its life. After Christmas, if anyone would like a pet, please consider rescuing one from a shelter. Thousands of homeless cats and dogs are destroyed each year.
Please spare a thought for all animals this Christmas.
DENISE BENNETT
Monsell Road, N4
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