A Governmental Concern

In the RIM, animals don't occupy the same place in the hearts of the people as they do in the US. But being a born animal lover, I try to do what I can for our furry brethren when I can. So far, I've rescued a dog (Bella) from the streets and a cat (Survivant, the survivor) from a family where the youngest son, about 3 years old, loves to kill animals. They're both doing well, and have taken to their new life of luxury, with a home where people don't kick them and where they get food on a regular basis.

There are days when I am completely shocked by the cruelty and disdain that I see for animals. I can understand not loving pets, but engaging in random acts of cruelty is absolutely beyond my tolerance. Unfortunately, I can't support every animal that I find. It's not all as bleak as that, though. Sometimes, I find surprises in human-animal relations, and a level of care for animals that renews my faith in mankind.

About two months ago, I was on my way to a friend's house for lunch. On the way, I got sidetracked when I found a donkey lying in the street. At first, I thought it was dead. On closer examination, I realized that the poor brute was just on his way to dying. He was laying before a store, in agony, writhing slightly, lips turned back. I stepped into the store to ask about the treatment of the poor donkey, hoping that they might know how he had come to be there. As I spoke with the storeowner, I became more and more incensed as I realized that he not only didn't care, he thought that my concern was funny.

Eventually, I sought out help from others. The regional health post was nearby, and I know most of the staff there. The men with whom I spoke didn't feel that it was their responsibility, but they assured me that care for the donkey is mandated by the Islamic faith. Unfortunately, they couldn't do anything, but they directed me to the regional authorities.

After knocking on a few doors, each of which was more welcoming and sympathetic, I came to speak with the Hakim, a governmental appointee to the region. Knowing that this might not be of interest to him, I prepared my speech to appeal to a valid local need. "I know that the suffering of animals isn't the concern of the government, but consider the sanitation concerns, and the obstruction of the flow of traffic." But before I could finish, he stopped me. "What do you mean, it's not the government's concern? This is an Islamic government, and Islam calls on us to care for all animals. This is ABSOLUTELY the concern of this government!"

It was too late. The Hakim gave me a note to take to Director d'Elevage, the local authority of all animal matters. By the time I returned to the site where I'd found the donkey, it was gone. Someone had come to collect him, I don't know who or how. I felt that I had failed in my simple task, try to alleviate even a little bit of suffering on the part of a much put upon beast of burden.

In spite of my failure, my delays, I found new hope. Men in positions of authority shared my concern. The Hakim did all that he could to help me to find a solution, all the while calling me noble and saying that what I did was pleasing to God. The Director d'Elevage took me into his home, shared the afternoon with me, and thanked me for doing what I could. He also promised to send a veterinarian to the home of the owner of the donkey (a piece of information I was able to uncover). After speaking with these two men and a half dozen others, I found that concern and love of animals exists here. Maybe it's hard to see sometimes, but it is strong.