Currently the SPCA is running a huge television ad campaign called Paw Justice. It is aimed at trying to bring to justice the people who have caused cruelty to animals to serve longer sentences and to be punished for their crime. Many people in New Zealand are behind this campaign and have signed the petition.
But what I am curious to know is why this behaviour is unacceptable in people’s homes and yet some trainers still believe that using harsh and aversive training methods is necessary in 2010? We know we shouldn’t be inflicting a cruel and harmful act on an animal.
Now don’t get me wrong, the severe cruelty the animals that the campaign is fighting for have suffered cannot even be compared to the way animals are being treated when training but is abuse just abuse or are we allowing so called milder forms of abuse to happen without even realising?
In this day and age we know so much more regarding animal training thanks to science. We once thought the earth was flat but we now know it is round.
Should we not consistently be moving with the times and treating our animals with respect? This means training them using kind methods without physical force, shouting at them or even using inappropriate training equipment that we know is no longer suitable or necessary for the behaviours we require from them.
I have never had to physically or verbally shout at my dogs or any other animals that I work with to help them achieve the behaviour I require when training. I also know many other wonderful trainers who work with animals and do not use punishment methods.
I hope the New Zealand public are starting to realise that there are kinder ways to train their pet and just because someone has been a trainer with many years experience and uses force does not mean this is the right way or the only way!
We should all be working together to prevent many forms of abuse and cruelty to animals, the sooner the better.