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News & Events:
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Posted by Shirley on October 18, 1999 at 12:35:16:
In Reply to: Re: Shocking posted by Naomi on October 16, 1999 at 16:48:14:
I suspect much of the reason the south seems so harsh about animals is that the area was primarily inhabited by subsistence farmers just a generation or two ago. They didn't have the finances or luxury to think of animals as pets. This is true of other agricultural peoples, too. My cousins who live on a dairy farm in Wisconsin were shocked we allowed cats in our house. On trips to Mexico and Peru, I've been horrified at the cruelty the locals inflict on dogs, and they've been horrified that I feed strays. Another reason the south may seem harsh is that it's a lot more likely a neglected or stray animal will survive on it's own in the temperate climate. When I lived in New Hampshire, most people realized their dogs and cats needed shelter at night. In the south a lot of folks simply don't realize the animal is suffering. If it's alive, it must be okay. And finally, the south is used to being criticized by outsiders and has developed a very defiant attitude. Southerners are not likely to apologize for their behavior. There is hope. The Atlanta Journal and Constitution newspaper ran a great story on animal shelters this year...described people dropping off animals so well that their neighbors were sure to identify them!
Something I'm curious about: Has anyone noticed a more negative attitude toward reptiles in regions that have venomous snakes? Lots of folks here think the only good snake is a dead snake. I'm a caver, and the first thing people want to know is if we find snakes in caves. Then they want to know if we carry anything to bash them with! (No. We do sometimes rescue snakes from the bottom of pits, however.)