The Retort

Animal Cruelty is Complex

February 19th, 2010 by Beth Dopp For The Retort

Recently Montana was rocked by a cruelty to animal case that was even more dramatic and upsetting than many. A kitten was found, wet and limp, following attempts at flushing her down the toilet. Her poor body had been crushed and she ultimately had to be euthanized.

The comments sections of area newspapers lit up with outrage at such a terrible treatment and death of this poor creature. I was glad to read, over and over again, that Montanans have little sympathy for those who cause animal’s pain and suffering.

I too was outraged, but also saddened by something else. Cruelty to cats and dogs are the cases that leap to the public’s attention. However, every day in Montana countless animals suffer in traps, which crush their body. In the case of aquatic animals, like beaver and otter, they are often held underwater by these body-crushing traps where they slowly drown. Where is the public outrage for these crushed and drowned creatures and the pain and suffering they were forced to endure?

I urge you to sign the petition I-160 that calls for an end to trapping on Montana ‘s public lands. Animal cruelty is animal cruelty - no matter the species.

Beth Dopp, MSUB Alumni 2008