Jun2013_ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Three letters:  

2 x Nose rings in pigs

1 x Yoga’s foundations

 

(Also refer to separate article "Our Pet Pig" in this edition.  Page 16 in printed and digital editions.) 

 

Dear Editor,

I have followed with some interest the curiously pompous correspondence regarding the application of nose rings to discourage household pet pigs from ‘doing what comes naturally’.

The possibility of welfare implications is perhaps a matter of exaggerated importance.

As an occasional visitor to the larger local shopping centres I see many young people with rings in their noses – and their ears – and their eyebrows – and their tongues – and their lips – and perhaps in unmentionable places, and I note that many of these people are pushing prams.

At the risk of anthropomorphising, this observation suggests that if ‘ringing’ has not discouraged them from ‘doing what comes naturally’, the humble porcine may be similarly uninhibited.

Bill Posters

Mt Mee 

Dear Editor,

In response to Happy, Healthy & Whole Kids Yoga, Dayboro Grapevine, May 2013.

While it is important that children undertake a good education, diet, rest and exercise we must ensure we provide our children with these activities based on informed decisions – particularly when they are provided by an external source.  No less should be considered when children are introduced to the Eastern practice of yoga.

Firstly, do your own research on yoga’s foundations and the actual Hindu meaning of each posture and stretch movement – most should be alarmed when you contemplate the spiritual context these positions have.  Every breathing and stretching exercise you are yoking yourself to Brahma, the chief deity of the Hindu religion, so regardless of what The West identifies as harmless exercise and ‘engaging your inner self’, make an informed decision before you introduce your children to this practice.

Michael Holyoak

Dayboro

Dear Editor,

I was disheartened to read a recent letter from Mr Stitt of Armstrong Creek in relation to the ‘Old Mill Vet’ and the fitting of a nose ring in a pet pig.  Vets are asked to perform many tasks by customers (such as euthanisng healthy animals because they cannot be found good homes, or owners can’t afford treatment).  Some of these tasks vets do not wholeheartedly approve of, however this miniature pig has a back garden to roam in, a sandpit to play in and is not locked in a pen, thanks to a professional surgical procedure.  In addition this pig is a PET and is not likely to end up as bacon or roast pork on a dinner table.

Mr Stitt, you state your family has been breeding pigs for a number of years.  Are these for PETS, SHOW or SLAUGHTER?  I hope they are for PETS, as to show an animal is to reduce it’s opportunity to act naturally, and to breed them for human consumption is depriving them of a full and happy life.

If you are genuinely concerned for the welfare of animals in our district, then perhaps your attention could be more productively turned to addressing issues such as:

Horses that have virtually no shade in paddocks which are bare of grass and with little or no feed provided

Animals with water troughs that are in full sun and are not afforded the necessity of cool water to drink

Cattle with NO shade that are obviously suffering in the heat

Poultry that are locked in small to non existent cages, never let out to roam free and are treated like products.

Domestic animals and wildlife that are injured or killed on our roads as the human race is in too much of a rush to get to their next destination

Perhaps reporting all these incidents to the RSPCA or talking to their owners would be a better use of your time. 

(Name and address withheld)