In the Absence of Scars
***UPDATE 4/18/2012: Reward for information leading to conviction in Justice’s case is now $25,000.00. Justice died 4/14/2012 from injuries suffered as a result of the abuse.***
During an adoption event last weekend, one of the volunteers described Justice, the newest puppy our rescue group is fighting to save from an animal cruelty case.
Attempted strangulation. Doused in lighter fluid. Lit on fire. Found hiding behind an air-conditioning unit after a group of young men tried to kill him for fun. Luckily, a good Samaritan called 911 and extinguished the flames with a t-shirt.
Poor Justice. It’s hard to feel anything that isn’t completely primal when you see images of a blistered, badly abused pup struggling to stay alive.
Obviously, this is what severe abuse looks like. No question there. Lots of comments from outraged individuals expressed the need to understand how anyone could do this. How could a group gather to collectively torture a young puppy? What causes someone to be so heartless, to be uncaring, to think this kind of thing is acceptable or funny or entertaining? I admit, I don’t get it either.
Even so, I believe bullies aren’t innately insensitive. They learn from society, from their families, from the people who are their role models. These learned ideals — often rooted from systemic abuse — manifest themselves in various harmful behaviors. This doesn’t excuse the crime in any way, only goes to show that we need to take a closer look at prevention.
Abuse begins somewhere.
On Sunday, a local church minister encouraged his congregation to attend Easter services, during which he promised to unveil a huge surprise. When the big moment arrived, the pastor revealed a small cage on wheels with bent bars. Inside this janky-looking contraption sat a living, breathing, seventeen-year-old lion, who’d been forced to spend his life performing for the sole purpose of human entertainment. Without debate, this creature served as nothing more than slave to mankind — an unnecessary prop.
The crowd watched as the handler riled the lion into moving, defending himself for the audience’s bewilderment as the church leader — proud of himself — attempted to connect the spectacle to a message within his religious service.
Photo: Stacy Smith
While holding a crying, newborn baby lamb, the minister paced the stage near the lion, as he delivered the rest of his performance.
Public outrage followed. Some church members who witnessed Easter services defended their minister’s actions by claiming that no animals were harmed. The comments on various articles insisted this was a “lion who had been in movies.”
But there it is — the beginning of a cycle. The public accepts this dog-and-pony show as non-abusive because the scars aren’t evident. There are no blisters, no burns, no blood. They believe everything must be fine because that is how it appears on the outside. In itself, I understand how someone, without knowing differently, might fail to see the picture in its entirety. In this case, groupthink perpetuates the cycle and, as in the case of Justice the puppy, the crowd enjoys watching for entertainment purposes, unable to grasp the undertones of extreme psychological abuse. I’m sure if some of them realized what was truly going on behind the curtain, they would be horrified.
Sadly, some of the people in commentary expressed irritation that the lion and the lamb made news. They claimed these were only animals, that the message was delivered. So what. Pfft. Who cares? “Don’t these people have something bigger to complain about?”
To those folk, I’d ask if they value their lives, the lives of their families. I’m sure they must. Animal abuse, which begins at the point we accept discouragement of proper care, is directly connected to many well documented, violent crimes against humanity — rape, torture, murder, etc. By embracing various levels of abuse as “OK” and “not OK,” we’re segueing further into a world where people who commit crimes against creatures don’t signal portents that can be corrected and addressed before affecting our children, for instance.
This afternoon, though, with his undeniable scars visible for all to witness, Justice waits another day to see if he will live tomorrow. Then tomorrow, he’ll wait again. With thousands of dollars in reward money offered for the capture of his attackers, I hope someone will be brave enough to step forward. Until then, all we can do is hope, demonstrate love, and donate for his extensive care.
Let’s begin something new now: Teach our children and educate others about understanding the abuse cycle, where it begins, and how to end it together. Kindly and with compassion. Ask yourself: What harm is there in that?
For information on how you can help donate to save Justice’s life, and the lives of other dogs being treated and rescued from cruelty and neglect, please visit: http://www.dfwrescueme.org/Donate/.
17 Responses to “In the Absence of Scars”
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Wondering how to get involved?
your bff is ready and waiting here
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I wish I had written this. Clear, concise, emotionally moving yet intellectually cogent. “Thank you.” This deserves to be widely read!
yes it begins somewhere. My southern redneck side though also thinks that capture of these absolute thugs and EXTREME punishment of all will also help send a clear message to people that this is a serious felony. I abhor Michael Vick, but this is no better in my opinion.
UPDATE: The City of Grapevine is not allowing further usage of wild animals at the church. Victory: https://www.facebook.com/notes/humane-society-of-flower-mound/humane-society-praises-grapevine-for-decision-to-stop-dangerous-wild-animal-perf/10151514497405393
A VERY powerful message. Will be sharing.
very well written, all dots connected! Thank you and I hope for both peace and justice for Justice…
great essay that connects the dots.
when a dog is burned that badly, i wonder if it is not more humane to give it a merciful death?
This is an excellent question. Glad you addressed it. The statement from DFW RESCUE ME is:
“As a group, we at DFW Rescue Me along with his [Justice's] vets are very sensitive to the amount of pain he is in and his tolerance of the treatments. If at any time the most humane option is to release him from this world, we will do it.”
As I understand, burns are tricky, and it is not immediately evident how severely they will or have affected the victim until the layer is safely removed, which can take a few days. There is a discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/DFWRescueMe
The fact that those teenagers are still walking free after this pointless act of violence is horrendous! Imagine if they had done this to a human, they would have been detained and charged, animals are a responsibility and whilst we have domesticated them to the point they have little in the way of instinct anymore to defend them selves, it is up to us to ensure that they are looked after and treated with respect, dignity and compassion.
I’m no going to say that the teenagers who tried to ignite a dog should be ignited themselves but I think some form of tough justice should be delivered so they can understand the severity of pain they needlessly inflicted on this animal.
As for the minister with the lion, well that’s just awful. Doesn’t the bible mention love for all gods creatures, it isn’t his place to do that and he should be disrobed
I want to thank you for this well written essay on why Pastor Ed’s circus act can be so damaging to animals and, ultimately, society. I have shared far and wide.
TG, as a nurse and former Vet clinic manager, I am fully confident that we are doing the right thing in not putting Justice down. This puppy is just that, a puppy, and will recover much better than an older dog. Lots of antibiotics, iv fluids and wound care are all Justice really needs. I see that every single day at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. He deserves a chance as I’m sure you agree. I work with this organization and know that first and foremost, their hearts always bleed for the animals at the end of the day. We want Justice to strive and thrive as the puppy he will become! :)
********** ****** does a fantastic job of bringing the truth to the lost in a captivating way. I was in attendance at an Easter service and found Pastor Ed’s message to be relevant, poignant, and spot on with what Easter is truly about. Ultimately, lives were changed and people came to know Christ. That’s what IT’S truly all about. I’m sorry you felt these animals were treated without the compassion they deserve.
I love animals and have a sweet dog of my own. It broke my heart to see the story of Justice — I pray that he makes a full recovery!
Bringing others to faith with a sideshow loses them when the entertainment is gone and the walk of faith really begins. Faith is not based on bells and whistles but love and understanding.
Thank you for this wonderful article and insight in to just what is so very wrong with what this pastor did.
Also prayers for Justice and his rescuers, and kudos to them for giving him a chance. A couple of years ago we rescued a Rottie that had been in a house fire that killed his owner. She was burned over 45% of her body with 2nd and 3rd degree burns. After 7 months and more than 17 surgeries Maddie is a healthy and happy girl living in the lap of luxury with my cousin. I am so grateful for my wonderful vet’s dedication and determination for saving this beautiful girl.
There is a vigil for Justice on Friday night at 7:30 at city hall. We hope for a massive turnout.
Comment subscribers, please see update listed above article and share with your networks so that we can quickly remove these violent offenders from general population before they act again.