EXPEL DA COUNCILLOR WOOD AS JUSTICE FOR GROSS ANIMAL NEGLECT
- af: Shannon Nel
- mottagare: The Democratic Alliance
We, the undersigned, as concerned citizens and animal lovers of South Africa, would hereby like to express our outrage and disgust at the horrific neglect of Lady, and furthermore the Democratic Alliances bland response to this crime. This petition is to serve as a call for her owner, DA Councillor Caroline Wood, to be charged appropriately with animal cruelty by the Democratic Alliance and consequently to be expelled from the party.
Despite the fact that Cllr. Wood committed numerous offences in terms of the Animals Protection Act (as amended), the DA has only charged her with bringing the party into disrepute and given her a sentence of community service. This from a party who has signed the Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare, and in a mandate recognised animals as sentient beings (of, having, or capable of feeling or perception; conscious). The DA justifies this ruling by stating that there was 'substantial mitigating evidence' in Cllr. Wood's favour.
Though, we, the undersigned, are not privy to this 'evidence' we cannot conceive of ANY reason that would justify the terrible suffering of Lady and her puppies when:
- Cllr. Wood was aware of the Ladys emaciated state but neglected to seek veterinary advice when she 'refused the food given to it'
- The only discernable food provided for Lady and her pups (at the time of rescue) was a bowl of dried vegetable peels
- The Karoo Animal Protection Society asserted that Ladys skeletal condition showed that she had suffered continuous neglect for a very long time, possibly her whole life
- Lady was not only chained, but chained in such a way that she was unable to reach her puppies, some of which died as a result of starvation
Whether directly or by omission we firmly believe that Cllr. Wood is guilty of gross animal neglect and therefore animal cruelty. We are horrified by and most definitely not satisfied with the DAs ruling and feel that they have let us, the voting public, down by not speaking out and condemning a crime committed by one of their own.
The only way we can hope to bring about change, in any area, is to speak out against those who break the law, and to punish them appropriately so as to set an example and ultimately deter similar future offenses.
'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.' Mahatma Gandhi
To whom it concerns
This letter forms part of the official petition against DA Councillor Caroline Wood. We are deeply saddened and disappointed to learn that the Democratic Alliance, despite numerous declarations of support for animal welfare, has failed to hold Cllr. Wood properly accountable for her actions. This when the DA is certainly aware of the atrocities thousands of animals in South Africa and around the world endure on a daily basis, not only through deliberate abuse but through negligence.
Our mission is to educate people as well as campaign for stronger penalties for those committing animal cruelty so that this sickening scourge can be eradicated. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.'
We are fighting to change the mindset that crimes against animals are lesser than those committed against humans. We strive to get people to realise that, if humans cannot respect and better the lives and safety of animals, they cannot possibly respect the lives and safety of their fellow man.
We would like to know how the DAs stance on the Wood matter serves to further this cause. The party has, through signing the Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare, undertaken to protect our sentient beings, yet has failed them miserably in the first real test of its commitment: justice has not been served for Lady or her puppies!
Cllr. Wood is currently facing criminal charges. Has the DA considered the impact its complacency will have on the outcome of this case, and future cases? If a prominent political party such as the Democratic Alliance refuses to acknowledge or excuses the actual crime we cannot hope to secure a just penalty.
It is our opinion that doing little or nothing is as bad as committing the actual crime. We appeal to you to reconsider the ruling against Cllr. Wood and expel her from the party regardless of the outcome of any criminal charges, in a show of solidarity toward our cause and that of the protection services who strive daily to protect and save our furry friends.
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