Rewards: dog worth more than a human?
We talk a lot about the missing outrage over human life in Baltimore, about how no one cares or have simply given up on the killings and shootings and other violence. I mean, someone even stole teddy bears at a memorial to the city's dead.
So should we be surprised when a reward for a person who kills a dog -- by pouring gasoline on it and setting it on fire -- climbs to $26,000, more than for most human victims of homicide? In the dog case, the city cop who put out the flames (the pit bull later died) got on TV and in the newspaper, the mayor held a news conference to honor her and notes poured in from all over the country.
Jill Rosen, who writes the Unleashed pet blog, has posted a story on whether the city's outrage is misplaced. She interviews a mom who lost her son in a shooting and talks to experts. I'd love to hear back on what you think.
Comments
This discussion is not worth the time you spent writing this piece.
Why must we be so divisive? The criminals who kill people and who kill animals are not different people. These are not different neighborhoods.
Rather than ask "Is a dog worth more than a human?" why not celebrate that ONE more crime in this city was solved? We have police officials assigned to crimes against humans in this city. Animal crimes don't get that so there are philanthropic funds that step in and make up the difference.
Posted by: Baltimoregal | June 11, 2009 1:54 PM
People raised money to find the person who burned the dog because most people don't care that much about burning a dog and some think it's hardly a crime. A murder, on the other hand, people should instinctively care about and now should need to raise a ruckus to get help in the investigation. Of course, in Baltimore, maybe that's not the case.
Posted by: Frank | June 12, 2009 11:47 AM
People who torture animals are violent by nature. In all likelihood, the next victim of whoever burned this dog would be someone from that very neighborhood, most likely a black person. Removing the perpetrator(s) from the streets protects the community. Instead of focusing on dogs vs humans, focus instead on reducing violent behavior. Do we need to wait until a person is killed or seriously hurt by the perpetrator to care?
Posted by: Lesley | June 12, 2009 7:59 PM
It's not that people value an animals life over a human's that is the point here. Some may say it was just a dog, yet it does not negate the fact that it was a living, breathing, and yes.. feeling creature. It was a life nonetheless.
The reason so many people are outraged about this was the sheer torture and intentional cruelty that was put upon this dog who had no choice or option to get out of this situation. Phoenix was at the mercy of these individuals.
It amazes me that those who are so offended by this outpouring of compassion does not see the big picture here. There is a direct connection between animal abuse that often transcends onto humans, it is a proven fact.
If we really didn't value human life and realize that a child or elderly person could be this pairs next victim, there would not be such an outcry to get these people off the streets, for everyone's safety. If they are capable of such a heinous crime against an animal, they will probably hurt a human being next.
One last point, Phoenix had no choice in her situation or say in the type of life she was forced to live and as far as the article written on behalf of the mother who lost her son.........
This statement I found rather thought provoking......... It bothered me all day and night and stuck in my mind.
Quote.........Allen admits that her son, Everette Farmer Sr., may have
led a less-than-exemplary lifestyle. But she doesn't think his guilty
plea for possession of drugs and a gun means it's OK for people to
devalue his life.
In answer to that I say, it wasn't the general public who devalued his
life, it was he.
Posted by: Debbie | June 15, 2009 11:25 PM
Bravo Debbie. Very very well said.
Posted by: Leigh | June 16, 2009 3:00 PM
I doubt very much that any murder in Baltimore goes unnoticed by the police and other law enforcement officials.
Ms. Allen's case received the care and concern and action it required.
Now it is time for Phoenix's case to be heard.
She could never have chosen her life. Ms. Allen's son could - and did.
That's the difference.
Posted by: useorlose | June 16, 2009 3:59 PM