Animal charities....
Discussion
I'm getting quite peeved off with all of this and I got into a bit of an argument with a colleague over a poster he pinned up on our work noticeboard today.
I'm don't mind animal charities in general, but I live in the South of Spain and the place is over-run by stray cats and dogs. The Spanish locals generally leave them be and some of the animals I've seen are pretty mangy, but most appear to be healthy.
Unfortunately, however, all the expats here appear to enjoy donating vast sums of cash, food and supplies to the countless number of animal shelters all along this part of the world. Sure it's their own money and people can do what they like with it, but it riles me up when people try and throw a guilt trip on me for not donating.
The latest item on this poster is asking for €1,000 to fund an operation for a stray dog. Don't get me wrong. If it were my own dog I would probably pay but for a stray dog?
The argument started because I was asked to donate and I said no. I told the chap the money could be put to better use with a kids charity or medical research and the dog should probably be put down and taken out of its misery. I was immediately the evil b
d but quite frankly, I see better uses for cash than to save stray cats and dogs.
There was also some celebration earlier this month as over €5,000 was raised to buy food for another shelter. You even get idiots spreading food around the streets to feed the damn cats so they st everywhere and it stinks, especially when its hot. €5k could go a long way saving a child's life or do a lot for cancer victims or more...
Honestly, I hold my view that although in principle the idea is good to try and take care of these cats and dogs, they should eventually be put down.
I know that's going to ignite a lot of flames, but to choose between an animal and human is no contest for me.
I would support medical research and children's charities all the way...
I'm don't mind animal charities in general, but I live in the South of Spain and the place is over-run by stray cats and dogs. The Spanish locals generally leave them be and some of the animals I've seen are pretty mangy, but most appear to be healthy.
Unfortunately, however, all the expats here appear to enjoy donating vast sums of cash, food and supplies to the countless number of animal shelters all along this part of the world. Sure it's their own money and people can do what they like with it, but it riles me up when people try and throw a guilt trip on me for not donating.
The latest item on this poster is asking for €1,000 to fund an operation for a stray dog. Don't get me wrong. If it were my own dog I would probably pay but for a stray dog?
The argument started because I was asked to donate and I said no. I told the chap the money could be put to better use with a kids charity or medical research and the dog should probably be put down and taken out of its misery. I was immediately the evil b
d but quite frankly, I see better uses for cash than to save stray cats and dogs.There was also some celebration earlier this month as over €5,000 was raised to buy food for another shelter. You even get idiots spreading food around the streets to feed the damn cats so they s
t everywhere and it stinks, especially when its hot. €5k could go a long way saving a child's life or do a lot for cancer victims or more...Honestly, I hold my view that although in principle the idea is good to try and take care of these cats and dogs, they should eventually be put down.
I know that's going to ignite a lot of flames, but to choose between an animal and human is no contest for me.
I would support medical research and children's charities all the way...
This is 100% how I feel as well. I can think of 1000 other charities that I would give money to before I would give to an animal charity.
There are plenty of animal mad nuts out there. My friend was once brainwashed by his girlfriend into saying that animal charities should get cash before kids ones because children can help themselves and say if they are in pain or distress, whereas a animal can't so should be given priority. Lots of respect lost in that moment right there.
There are plenty of animal mad nuts out there. My friend was once brainwashed by his girlfriend into saying that animal charities should get cash before kids ones because children can help themselves and say if they are in pain or distress, whereas a animal can't so should be given priority. Lots of respect lost in that moment right there.
I had the RSPCA know on the door a while ago, started asking if I had animals or liked them, what we had etc etc, then onto details of their latest appeal and how they were asking for direct debit donations of only £10 a month or something.
When I declined and said that I do donate but would prefer not to via direct debit. He then went on to say its only a measly tenner a month and asked if "I really care about the animals"
I didnt hear any more as he got the door shut in his face...
We have also visited a rehoming centre by the same charity and were told simply that we couldn't rehome a dog because we already had a dog - told us female dogs cannot live together and that we could have a male dog if it were spayed more than 6 months, but they never have them there for that long so that wasnt an option.
we then suggested a cat, that was a no because cats and dogs do not get along with eachother...
where as cats protection were more than willing and were eager to let us rehome a cat and we left a donation well above their rehoming fee. said if this particular cat didnt get on with the dog to bring it back and they'd hook us up with another! Our dog and cat get on perfectly
Dogs trust have also seen a decent amount of our money through sponsor a dog.
but each to their own, I have also donated to other childrens and cancer charities. but it should always be your choice and not thrust apon you and in your face.
When I declined and said that I do donate but would prefer not to via direct debit. He then went on to say its only a measly tenner a month and asked if "I really care about the animals"
I didnt hear any more as he got the door shut in his face...
We have also visited a rehoming centre by the same charity and were told simply that we couldn't rehome a dog because we already had a dog - told us female dogs cannot live together and that we could have a male dog if it were spayed more than 6 months, but they never have them there for that long so that wasnt an option.
we then suggested a cat, that was a no because cats and dogs do not get along with eachother...
where as cats protection were more than willing and were eager to let us rehome a cat and we left a donation well above their rehoming fee. said if this particular cat didnt get on with the dog to bring it back and they'd hook us up with another! Our dog and cat get on perfectly
Dogs trust have also seen a decent amount of our money through sponsor a dog.
but each to their own, I have also donated to other childrens and cancer charities. but it should always be your choice and not thrust apon you and in your face.
Edited by Buzz84 on Tuesday 2nd October 12:27
To each his own, life would be boring if we were all the same and all supported the same causes.
Raising money for an operation should be a celebration, it would have taken a lot of time and effort from people and ultimately it saved a life, regardless of whether that's an animal or human life.
I donate to many animal charities and one human charity. I'm the polar opposite of you, I value an animal life above that of an adult human. Why? Because much like children animals are innocent and vulnerable. When you look at the qualities animals possess (loyalty, unconditional love etc) they have a lot to offer, especially when you consider they aren't tarnished by human traits (greed, jealousy etc).
Saying animals are ultimately put down (or should be) is like saying old people should be left to suffer because their time will be up soon anyway.
Raising money for an operation should be a celebration, it would have taken a lot of time and effort from people and ultimately it saved a life, regardless of whether that's an animal or human life.
I donate to many animal charities and one human charity. I'm the polar opposite of you, I value an animal life above that of an adult human. Why? Because much like children animals are innocent and vulnerable. When you look at the qualities animals possess (loyalty, unconditional love etc) they have a lot to offer, especially when you consider they aren't tarnished by human traits (greed, jealousy etc).
Saying animals are ultimately put down (or should be) is like saying old people should be left to suffer because their time will be up soon anyway.
We always drop off food or cash in a bucket but will never entertain door knockers for cash.
Taking the labrador here on thursday, it's going to be her first time.
http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/
Taking the labrador here on thursday, it's going to be her first time.
http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/
beanbag said:
I know that's going to ignite a lot of flames, but to choose between an animal and human is no contest for me.
You choose people. Other people choose animals.There doesn't need to be hatred and judgement here because you decide differently to other people.
That said how do you know for sure that the people donating to animal charities aren't also donating to people charities?
Superficial said:
To each his own, life would be boring if we were all the same and all supported the same causes.
Raising money for an operation should be a celebration, it would have taken a lot of time and effort from people and ultimately it saved a life, regardless of whether that's an animal or human life.
I donate to many animal charities and one human charity. I'm the polar opposite of you, I value an animal life above that of an adult human. Why? Because much like children animals are innocent and vulnerable. When you look at the qualities animals possess (loyalty, unconditional love etc) they have a lot to offer, especially when you consider they aren't tarnished by human traits (greed, jealousy etc).
Saying animals are ultimately put down (or should be) is like saying old people should be left to suffer because their time will be up soon anyway.
At what point down the evolutionary ladder does your option switch, or is it based on human contact or usefulness? Such as for a Cow, there is no loyalty there beyond sticking around as there is always food in the milking parlor. Do you value a cow as equal or above a human in terms of value of life? Raising money for an operation should be a celebration, it would have taken a lot of time and effort from people and ultimately it saved a life, regardless of whether that's an animal or human life.
I donate to many animal charities and one human charity. I'm the polar opposite of you, I value an animal life above that of an adult human. Why? Because much like children animals are innocent and vulnerable. When you look at the qualities animals possess (loyalty, unconditional love etc) they have a lot to offer, especially when you consider they aren't tarnished by human traits (greed, jealousy etc).
Saying animals are ultimately put down (or should be) is like saying old people should be left to suffer because their time will be up soon anyway.
It’s not a point of view I can identify with or understand, so sorry if it’s a stupid question.
Buzz84 said:
I had the RSPCA know on the door a while ago, started asking if I had animals or liked them, what we had etc etc, then onto details of their latest appeal and how they were asking for direct debit donations of only £10 a month or something.
When I declined and said that I do donate but would prefer not to via direct debit. He then went on to say its only a measly tenner a month and asked if "I really care about the animals"
I didnt hear any more as he got the door shut in his face...
We have also visited a rehoming centre by the same charity and were told simply that we couldn't rehome a dog because we already had a dog - told us female dogs cannot live together and that we could have a male dog if it were spayed more than 6 months, but they never have them there for that long so that wasnt an option.
we then suggested a cat, that was a no because cats and dogs do not get along with eachother...
where as cats protection were more than willing and were eager to let us rehome a cat and we left a donation well above their rehoming fee. said if this particular cat didnt get on with the dog to bring it back and they'd hook us up with another! Our dog and cat get on perfectly
Dogs trust have also seen a decent amount of our money through sponsor a dog.
but each to their own, I have also donated to other childrens and cancer charities. but it should always be your choice and not thrust apon you and in your face.
We had the same with RSPCA. Wouldn't let us take a cat because of where we lived. I think the problem is that they obviously love animals but love them that much they are unwilling to let them go!When I declined and said that I do donate but would prefer not to via direct debit. He then went on to say its only a measly tenner a month and asked if "I really care about the animals"
I didnt hear any more as he got the door shut in his face...
We have also visited a rehoming centre by the same charity and were told simply that we couldn't rehome a dog because we already had a dog - told us female dogs cannot live together and that we could have a male dog if it were spayed more than 6 months, but they never have them there for that long so that wasnt an option.
we then suggested a cat, that was a no because cats and dogs do not get along with eachother...
where as cats protection were more than willing and were eager to let us rehome a cat and we left a donation well above their rehoming fee. said if this particular cat didnt get on with the dog to bring it back and they'd hook us up with another! Our dog and cat get on perfectly
Dogs trust have also seen a decent amount of our money through sponsor a dog.
but each to their own, I have also donated to other childrens and cancer charities. but it should always be your choice and not thrust apon you and in your face.
Edited by Buzz84 on Tuesday 2nd October 12:27
Cats protection were more than happy to give us a cat. Afterall they were full to the rafters with homeless cats !! Just as RSPCA were.
beanbag said:
Marf said:
That said how do you know for sure that the people donating to animal charities aren't also donating to people charities?
In what way?You seem to be asserting that people donate to animal charities or people charities. I'm asking him how you know that. For all we know people donate to both animal and people charities.
I don't begrudge any animal charity but for some reason I normally dislike the type of people that run them, particualrly the ones that set up their own niche in spite of perfectly good charities already existing. Dare I say there are some that make a fair living and chosen life style off the back of it.
Don't get me on the likes of the the RSCA and the seemingly arbitary rehoming rules. When we were looking to rehome dogs and cats 20 years ago and we had young children and my wife would have to leave the house to shop etc that was cited by one buffoon as a reason not to have a dog, as we could never leave our adopted charge alone for 5 minutes. I did enquire whether this made us both being on the dole a pre-requisite for them.........
Don't get me on the likes of the the RSCA and the seemingly arbitary rehoming rules. When we were looking to rehome dogs and cats 20 years ago and we had young children and my wife would have to leave the house to shop etc that was cited by one buffoon as a reason not to have a dog, as we could never leave our adopted charge alone for 5 minutes. I did enquire whether this made us both being on the dole a pre-requisite for them.........
Marf said:
beanbag said:
Marf said:
That said how do you know for sure that the people donating to animal charities aren't also donating to people charities?
In what way?The OP seems to be asserting that people donate to animal charities or people charities. I'm asking him how he knows that. For all he knows people donate to both animal and people charities.
As I recall, the RSPCA is the richest charity in the country. They certainly don't need my money.
If you want to donate to a good cause, can I recommend http://www.hopeandhomes.org/ who work with governments to shut childrens homes and move them into long term foster families.
loafer123 said:
P101 said:
It's only human arrogance that put's themselves above animals. I have more sympathy for sick animals than I do sick humans I am afraid. This is why I give more to animal charities than I do to human ones.
More fool you. As an animal lover, I do get irritated with "Save The Panda". Why? Let the fker die.
It's at an evolutionary dead end. It only eats one thing and is fussy over reproduction. If humans weren't destroying it's habitat, then it would only need an outbreak of bamboo blight to finish it off anyway.
95% of all species that ever lived are extinct. That's the way it works. The panda is nothing special, just because it's cute.
On the other hand, something like a tiger is a viable species that, unlike the panda, would do just fine if humans hadn't destoyed it's habitat.
There are far more deserving cases than the sodding panda, like the Amazonian parasitic wasp. But I don't see any collecting tins rattling for them!
ker die.It's at an evolutionary dead end. It only eats one thing and is fussy over reproduction. If humans weren't destroying it's habitat, then it would only need an outbreak of bamboo blight to finish it off anyway.
95% of all species that ever lived are extinct. That's the way it works. The panda is nothing special, just because it's cute.
On the other hand, something like a tiger is a viable species that, unlike the panda, would do just fine if humans hadn't destoyed it's habitat.
There are far more deserving cases than the sodding panda, like the Amazonian parasitic wasp. But I don't see any collecting tins rattling for them!
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