How does one cope?

[MWB]

I am animal sensitive. Perhaps over sensitive. I cannot bear to see or hear of any animal cruelty or neglect or even not appropriately treated. I cannot bear to think about monkeys, bears, etc. I don't want to go there - it kills me.
I never know what to do when I see it. Apart from outright cruelty, then I ring to SPCA.
It's like today. I heard of a bloke who has a 6 mth old cat that he never lets outside for fear of it running away or getting run over. 3 of his previous cats have done this. And when he is out, which can be for 8-10 hours a day, he keeps it in only one room. Now to me this is not right. Cats should be able to be outside at least some of the time. I feel sick to my stomach with stress & feeling for this cat.
And cows & sheep in paddocks with no shade in 30 degree heat. Horses on their own in paddocks. Dogs tied up all day & night & never walked, etc, etc.
I know most of this is not illegal insofaras what the SPCA's parameters are.
How does everyone cope with this?

[pink-kittens]

By not being animal sensitive?

I have to say I really don't give this too much thought, if any. There are way to many children living in the same conditions as you describe for me to worry about a cow in a field or a cat shut on one room all day - that cat BTW, will be fine as long as it has toys etc to play with and water with food. I'd rather a cat was kept inside all day than run over, wouldn't you?

Just how many fields in the UK do you see with a shed for sheep and cows to get into if it is raining? Not many.

I would have a sleepless night over cruelty to a child but not an animal, sorry

[wildwood]

You're right, you are over sensitive. It is not normal to ruin your life to this extend, worrying about things that you have no hope of altering. I suggest you never go to China and see how they treat/rear/transport their animals.

You honestly need to tell this to your doctor as this condition may very well worsen and can easily lead to a nervous breakdown. I am not being unkind, and there is no shame these days in seeking professional help. This has little to do with animals and more with fanatic obsessive behaviour.

[alfieblue]

Hi! You are a sensitive soul, can tell that straight away. Im an animal lover and yes, I get very upset when I hear/read about cruelty to animals but by the same token cruelty to children, the elderly, world troubles - all these things are upsetting. However, it must not become an obsession. The cat will be fine, there are many cats who are housecats and are quite happy. It's obviously loved so stop worrying about that.

I agree with wildwood - think you need a little bit of help so these worries do not take over your life.

Have you also thought about helping out at local animal rescue centres? Im sure they are crying out for volunteers and it could do you the world of good - doing your bit to help, as well as theraputic for you, just think of the grt feeling that you are doing your bit to help.

Just a little thought.x

[LoftyLottie]

I agree with Wildwood and Alfieblue. I too am very sensitive and get very upset about animal cruelty and neglect. There is nothing wrong with being sensitive, in fact it is great that you are, but you seem to have become rather obsessive and it might be sensible to talk to your GP.

Alfieblue's suggestion about volunteering is excellent. I do it and at least I contribute in a small way to help - better than driving myself mad worrying.

[alfieblue]

go for it MWB! it will do you the world of good! You will be doing your bit to help, every little bit helps!:o)

[alfieblue]

ps: let us know how you get on.

[ilsonchick]

just keep being a good citizen and reporting things that are abnormal in your area. There was once a dog that howled all day near my house. My mum said to leave it be but i went and investigated and found that whilst the owners were at work they tied their dog up with a chain in the garden and left it rain or shine... i rang the RSPCA and what annoys me the most is that they dont really care. I got asked does it have food and water? How would i know ? its not my dog! all i know is its tied up with a choke chain day and night and cries for up to 12 hours a day...they did nothing as i could not answer whether it was being fed and watered...the system is crap but i still keep hassling them when i see something thats not right to do with animals xx

[tigerlily11]

I am sensitive to both animal and child cruelty.
I find the best way to deal with it is do what I can by donation. I can do no more than that. I would easliy end up killing someone if I had to deal personally with the heartless ba*tards that live in this world.
Other than that I try my best to avoid anything that shows this sort of thing going on. I am aware of it and I do my bit. Anything else would be the end of me.
Keep reporting if you see cruelty because the people who deal with can only do so while there are people willing to do the right thing and say something.