Definition of cruelty?

[indie999]

The usual term is "causing unnecessary suffering to an animal" I believe. But after that it's open to interpretation. We can't always tell how much an animal is suffering.

Sometimes it's just obvious though.

So would you say "Intentionally unkind" is a definition then?

I was smacked as a child but never thought this unkind however nowadays it would be considered a form of abuse?? Or is a smack a beating??Whats the difference/level?

Also what about sometimes its "Cruel to be kind"? Humans think we are kind to euthanise our animals when they are ill but dont do this to our fellow humans??? (Unless you live in Switzerland etc)??Opens a big debate doesnt it? Are we therefore cruel to our own? UM?

 

[Ladyinred]

I see cruelty as anything that causes an animal to suffer - mentally or physically.

Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, such as veterinary treatment, but that is just what I believe.

Totally agree. Many people forget the mental aspect, yet it can be just as harmful as physical abuse.

Anything that causes an animal pain or discomfort for no good (ie veterinary) reason has to be classified as cruelty or abuse, including things that cause no apparent obvious pain but are likely to result in long-term discomfort through unseen damage.

 

[superted1989]

To me, although they can have the same outcome, cruelty and ignorance/negligence are different things.
Cruelty is deliberately inflicting harm and suffering on another being for the abusers pleasure.
Ignorance and negilence can have the same outcomes but are not intentional.

If an old lady takes on a Shetland pony, keeps it in her back garden, allows it to sleep on a duvet in the conservatory, feeds it sacks of oats and polos etc etc, that pony may become very ill because of it. The old lady's intention would have been borne out of kindness but the outcome is one of suffering.

BTW, not intended to say that all old ladies want to keep Shetlands in their garden!

 

[HarlequinSeren]

Thank you everybody for your replies, there's some real thought provoking stuff that's being said!

There is a lot of grey area on this particular topic and everyone seems to have their own opinion on what is and is not cruel, but there is a general consensus on what is inexcusably wrong.

The replies on here are tempting me to add another issue (to a new thread so as not to ruin this one as all the replies are great and I think it's a good debate topic) which will no doubt cause uproar and I would definitely get flamed for, just not sure I am brave enough to try it

HS x

 

[Wagtail]

So would you say "Intentionally unkind" is a definition then?

I was smacked as a child but never thought this unkind however nowadays it would be considered a form of abuse?? Or is a smack a beating??Whats the difference/level?

Also what about sometimes its "Cruel to be kind"? Humans think we are kind to euthanise our animals when they are ill but dont do this to our fellow humans??? (Unless you live in Switzerland etc)??Opens a big debate doesnt it? Are we therefore cruel to our own? UM?

good question!

 

[Wagtail]

I suspect the difference is due to the fact that one had already been recognised as dreadful, and there wasn't a lot to add to that. Whereas in the other case the "perpetrator" in the other case seemed oblivious about it.

If the owner of the Irish ponies had started a thread entitled "Are my ponies underfed?" for a joke, I think there would have been quite a response.

Exactly.

 

[Wagtail]

The replies on here are tempting me to add another issue (to a new thread so as not to ruin this one as all the replies are great and I think it's a good debate topic) which will no doubt cause uproar and I would definitely get flamed for, just not sure I am brave enough to try it

HS x

Go on go on go on...

 

[HarlequinSeren]

Haha do you want me to get crucified Wagtail?

 

[HarlequinSeren]

Wagtail I have PM'd you, please let me know how awful my thread idea is and talk me out of it!

I'm quite enjoying this thread though, the idea of cruelty is such a subjective notion, with huge cultural variation. Another example is in some countries animals we consider to be companions and pets like cats and dogs are used as meat animals. Guinea pigs were originally bred for meat and are now being kept as pets. In Britain though the majority of people would be horrified at the thought of eating cats, dogs or guinea pigs.

HS x

 

[Ritzyroo]

My mare HATES being out in the field now its winter - she gallops round until she is dripping with sweat under her rug. My other horse wants to be out and he happily grazes. I dont make her run round - she chooses to. She is clearly distressed - am I cruel for trying to provide a natural environment? - plenty of grass as just moved onto the rested half. Yet if I keep them both in - I am being 'cruel' to my boy who wants to be out. I cannot win.

 

[YasandCrystal]

What annoys me is when people pipe up 'but there are far worse things that go on, what about starving children...etc...etc' As if that is a sound argument against people getting upset about other forms of cruelty. It's a guilt throwing tactic to throw people off course, by effectively saying they don't care about the starving children because they are concerned about someone who is far too heavy riding their horse.

I agree Wagtail. The only time I think it is only appropriately said in that fashion about horses/donkeys in 3rd world or poverty stricken countries, because the people are dying and are so very poor, so the concern needs to be for both human and animal.

 

[HarlequinSeren]

It's difficult with two who need the opposite Ritzyroo, seems like a case of damned if you do, damned if you don't as whatever you do will be wrong for one of them! That makes for an awkward situation for you. Hope you manage to work something out that works for you.
HS x

 

[R.I.D]

I studied this as part of a major in college & basically it amounts to the horse, or any animal for that instance, being prevented from having ANY of the 5 basic freedoms, which are:

Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour
Freedom from Discomfort
Freedom from Hunger and Thirst
Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease
Freedom from Fear and Distress

 

[welsh horse rider]

What annoys me is when people pipe up 'but there are far worse things that go on, what about starving children...etc...etc' As if that is a sound argument against people getting upset about other forms of cruelty. It's a guilt throwing tactic to throw people off course, by effectively saying they don't care about the starving children because they are concerned about someone who is far too heavy riding their horse.

I totally agree Wagtail xx