OpEds
Suzana Megles
Cruelty is universal, knows no national boundaries, and is deeply rooted in cultural and religious beliefs of human superiority and exceptionalism, cystallized in the specious philosophy of speciesism.
UNITED STATES
There are so many accounts of man’s cruelty to animals that one does not know where to start writing about them. Here in the United States in the not too recent past, a Polish National got his hands on an innocent tiny 2 year- old pit bull whom he had adopted FREE on Craig’s List.
And now because of his concern for strays, Dr. Litov and his family were being evicted from their home. Sadly, journalists in the area incite crimes like this against good people like Dr. Litov in promoting a war against stray dogs. Yes, there maybe a stray epidemic, but instead of encouraging spay and neuter programs and care for pets, the citizens are encouraged to commit horrible acts as this one.
We do not share the author’s religious beliefs, especially Christianity, a faith rooted in abject dominionism. So it fails to surprise us that high officials of such religions, notably bishops, would refuse to pay attention to human crimes against “lesser features.”—Eds
Mayor Dragan Dilas has promised that the city will also help to provide funds for the purchase of the prosthetic paws. Mila — you have some wonderful friends in Belgrade! Hope to hear one day that you have gotten those prosthetic paws and that you will find a family worthy of your love to care for you so that one day you will know love and caring and even a day when you will be able to run free again on new prosthetic paws.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megles with friend, in 1975.
I have been concerned about animal suffering ever since
I received my first puppy Peaches in 1975. She made me take a good look at the animal kingdom and I was shocked to see how badly we treat so many animals. At 77, I’ve been a vegan for the past 30 years and I thank God every day that I am. I am most disturbed at how little the Catholic Church and Christian churches generally give to concern re animal suffering in their ministry. I wrote to 350 bishops in 2001 and only 10-13 responded. I feel that the very least they can do is to instruct that the priests give one sermon a year on compassion to animals. I am still waiting for that sermon. I also belong to Catholic Concern for Animals – founded in England in 1929. (They are on the internet) I recently sent a sample copy of their bi-monthly publication called the ARK to the 8 Catholic bishops of Ohio. Only ONE kindly responded. Somehow we have to reach the Christian teaching magisterium. There is next to nothing re animal concerns and compassion for them. They basically believe that animals are the lesser of God’s creation and that gives us the right to do anything we want to them. Way wrong. We need to change their mindsets. The animals are God’s first and He expects us to treat them compassionately.