Mahmoud Ahmad

 

THREE recent incidents of violent and extreme abuse against animals in Saudi Arabia made me ponder whether there is legislation against animal cruelty, and if so, whether it is enforced fully. The three random incidents that were highlighted in the media — with the clips going viral in the social media — raised alarm at the actions itself, while also posing key questions whether such actions are incidental or a malaise afflicting our society and, what are we doing about it?



The first shocking incident that was publicized months ago was the abusive killing of a fox. A group of Saudis, who managed to trap a fox and cage it, were exposed reveling in cruelly putting down the trapped animal. They first poured oil on it and then set the animal on fire, while watching the fox burn to death. One of the people, at the scene, was shouting repeatedly “let it burn” interspersed with statements that “the animal deserves it”.



I do not know what the animal did that forced the group to take such extreme action of burning it alive, but I am assuming that it might have killed some poultry or somebody’s pet by foraying into the human habitat from its area. Nevertheless it did not deserve to die in this inhuman way. A short while after this incident, another animal-abuse case was underscored when a video clip of a man’s cruelty to a dog came to light. The Saudi man was seen dragging a howling dog behind his pickup truck and, this clip was widely circulated in the social media. Such behavior is sick. The clip did not end there, for another driver was seen trying to force the man off the road in an attempt to set the dog free.



This appalling incident preceded another case regarding cruelty to a dog last week. This event saw a Saudi man showing no empathy toward an animal, as he first tortured and then killed a dog by running over the poor animal repeatedly with his four-wheel drive, and only stopping after the dog was dead. This too was caught on video and the clip went viral on social media. The man’s action evoked prompt and strong reaction among tweeters, who called for the man and the person filming the incident in a desert area, to be brought to book.



Every time such incidents are highlighted, there is a clamor for action against the perpetrators. But over time people forget and only voice their concern again when another incident is reported. There is no real follow-up of what action has been taken.



Call it sick, call it sadistic behavior, but we have to admit one thing, that animal cruelty is widespread. I am not saying that this abuse is exclusive to our country, for it is prevalent in many other countries. But the difference is that there the offender faces the strict arm of the law.



One thing is evident that there’s a serious psychological problem with these people who commit such crimes. Though many psychological ailments can be treated, in my opinion, this violent behavior against animals cannot be treated. The only treatment we are looking at here is severe punishment and a strict enforcement of a tough law against it.



I do not see any difference between those committing such crimes and arsonists. Both have one thing in common, committing a wrong and enjoy watching it. Don’t we punish the arsonist severely?



Animal cruelty is something that is not heard of here although there are many sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) against animal cruelty that urge Muslims to be kind to animals. Ignorance about animal cruelty is extensive, especially among children. I have seen children enjoying target practice on stray cats using rocks. These children would have exceled in the sniper’s division because they showed extreme perfection in hitting moving targets.



I would not blame the children alone for their callous action, when adults themselves are at fault in allowing the abuse of animals by commission or omission. The three examples I cited provide ample ammunition for the children to follow the adult’s action in the event there’s no punitive measure on the offender, and then there’s the omission of the adults in inculcating humane values to children with regard to animals. I ask, why are our children not taught at a young age to be kind to animals, or at least, leave animals alone?



It is related by Abdullah Ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “A woman was once punished after death because of a cat which she had kept confined until it died, and because of this she entered the Fire. She had neither given it food or drink while confining it, nor had she let it free to eat the creatures of the earth.” (Muslim).



The one positive outcome of the latest incident is that once the video was aired on social media, there was wide condemnation and calls to severely punish those involved.



I know if this incident had happened in the Europe or America, there would’ve been a huge campaign and a manhunt of the people involved, and once arrested would be punished severely. Maybe many Saudis will not believe this, but the violators, once caught, will appear in court before a judge and they will not only be put behind bars but will also have to pay a huge fine.



Compare this to the fact that those who committed this crime in Saudi Arabia were extremely comfortable to a level that they filmed it and spread it in social media because they know even if there was law they will never be caught and let alone appear in court or held accountable.



This is a serious matter. Though these three cases and maybe a few others have made it to social media, there might be other cases that must have gone unnoticed or unreported. Only God knows how rampant is animal abuse.



I would like to add a positive note that the Asir court sentenced the suspects involved in burning the fox alive to 70 days in jail and 118 lashes. I believe it is not severe enough. In fact it is light. But I would say it is a start and that’s positive. For burning an animal alive is a serious offense and we need to toughen the punishment against animal cruelty.



Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) not only preached to the people to show kindness to each other but also to all living souls. Animals are to be respected and treated humanely. We should teach our children, especially the violators, that Islam asks Muslims to treat animals kindly, with love and compassion. If they cannot do that for any reason, then the least they can do is to leave them alone.

— The writer can be contacted at mahmad@saudigazette.com.sa.Twitter: @anajeddawi_eng