St Paul said to the churches: "I hear that there be divisions amongst
you!". Well, it's not unique to churches; the animal activist movement
has equally as factious a spirit. Indeed, two nearby animal sanctuaries
who do a marvellous work are now being hindered, and why? Because one is
unconcerned about the sale of air guns within their charity shop; while
the other appears unconcerned about fox hunting. Well, they both have
their critics but, thankfully, they both have strong admirers for the
sterling work they accomplish; and I am one of them. I take my hat off
(when I ware one!) to each of them. Regrettably, however, my annual
animal blessing service at the Welsh Baptist Chapel was not held this
year. They previously brought along an assortment of pets, as well as
folk, to this annual event. But as they are at loggerheads with one
another I decided to terminate me venture after eight years. Indeed, as
one door appeared ready to close, another opens! A leading cleric of the
Diocese has cordially invited me to officiate at his own service of
animal blessing next week.
Yes, it takes guts, determination, and often years, to build bridges;
but any nutter can demolish such creations in moments. Admittedly, our
priorities within our great cause for the animals vary and sometimes
differ. Of all the animal sanctuaries I can think of in Clwyd, it
appears that none of the owners are vegetarians. Does that mean that I
fall out with all of them? God forbid! I'm personally, very much opposed
to the sale of any air guns, regardless of to whom the profits go. Does
that mean that I withdraw my patronage? God forbid! I get a little
cheesed off when, as regards blood sports, the emphasis is unduly given
to foxes - what about far less cunning hares and docile deer? To gain
public sympathy should not the emphasis have been on the least predatory
of these rather than the most? I think it should!. But God forbid that
this should stop me from denouncing hunting with hounds altogether.
One thing is sure: while we wrangle with one another, tile opposition
benefits considerably. So let us give up all spirit of dissention and
bickering. There are many regiments in our army, so let us stop knocking
those regiments whose priorities are not ours. They are our fellow
comrades in the same war against animal abuse. Then let us direct our
hostility on to the enemy and never upon soldiers of a differing rank or
regiment to our own, for that would be nothing less than treason.
Animal Padre's
