THE Creator gave us this world that we may use it well: not abuse it. We can do what we want but not for stupid reasons.

      I believe dog fighting is not a sport. I think it is sick and perverse. It is entertainment with violence and pain inflicted on one of the best kinds of animals. It is in contrast with the element of love and comfort one can give to dogs in exchange for the immeasurable benefits they provide: affection, companionship, enjoyment and happiness in every home where dogs are treated as members of the family. Moreover, they save lives in rescue operations and provide consolation to the sick and lonely. Or simply, they act as house guards.

      So we ask: With which element would we want to be entertained, violence or love? With which dog owner will our Creator be happier, the dogfighter’s or the rescue dog’s? Most, if not all, would answer: “Love, of course!”

      But the truth of the matter is, the questions are easier answered than done. For in reality, we choose to ignore or be passive about it.

      The Bicol Mail, in its April 27 issue, featured pit bulls shown in dog fights. Hardly any reaction came after the report save for one Greg Quimpo of the Animal Kingdom Foundation, Inc. (AKFI)

      In a subsequent issue of the Bicol Mail dated May 11, Quimpo’s group hit pit bull fighting as “illegal” and “doggedly pushed for the enforcement of R.A. 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1988 that protects animals from cruelty” such as dogfights.

      At this point, I appeal to you dear readers to pause for a moment or two and give the matter some thoughts of concern. To the publisher, editor, and newswriter, Juan Escandor, Jr. who covered the dog fighting activity, my hope is that you will please feature more articles about dogs, focusing more on the positive aspects like the joys of dog ownership. Nonetheless, I commend the Bicol Mail for the expose and Mr. Quimpo of the AKF for their advocacy.

      Let’s be kind to animals, let’s love our dogs.

ROLI of Magsaysay Ave., Naga City