Written by: Hermien Van Den Bergh
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Winter has arrived in South Africa and temperatures are dropping to zero in places. Some cities are battered by nature, with gale force winds howling and rain pouring down relentlessly for days. Tragically, many unfortunate animals are left outside to cope on their own with no, or inadequate shelter. What an utterly miserable and sad existence this must be for helpless animals.
The whole planet deserves good and fair treatment. It is God’s mandate from heaven.
Animals thrive in a warm, cosy environment
Animal suffering is often due to people having a misconception that animals do not get cold and that they belong outside no matter what. The truth is that animals do get cold, and quickly so! One can watch any animal, tame or wild, and you’ll see them quickly snuggling closer to warmth wherever they can find it. Just like humans, animals become desperate and easily sick in cold, wet weather if not sheltered, and they die from exposure. On the other hand, animals thrive in a cosy, comfortable, and adequately warm environment. In the wild, many birds and animals migrate before winter to warmer regions. Some species live in herds and dig dens to sleep together to keep themselves warm and safe from harsh conditions outside.
It is our responsibility to provide adequate care and protection
It is therefore unfair and cruel to remove animals from their natural habitat, domesticate them for one’s own purposes, and then expect them to keep warm in winter by themselves. It becomes our duty, our responsibility and obligation to properly care for our pets and livestock – and to look out for those that we see suffering from neglect. Psalm 89:14 says that the foundation of God’s throne is built on righteousness and justice. This scripture applies not only to humans, but all God’s creatures. In fact, the whole planet deserves good and fair treatment. It is God’s mandate from heaven.
What can you do to help?
So what can we do in a practical way to help animals? First of all, make sure your own pet(s) are comfortable, warm, happy, and secure this winter. Search on Google, or ask your vet or local pet store for advice if you need to. When you see a dog or cat left outside in the cold, speak up and do something about it. Support your local animal welfare like the Purple Kennel Project and for R450 buy a sturdy house for an unfortunate animal who usually has to fend for itself. Last but not least, obey Proverbs 12:10 as a lifestyle which instructs us to properly care for our animals.
Please donate and help us educate people to treat animals better, WhatsApp “LOFU” to 060 070 2753. For anyone interested in following our journey as travelling missionaries, visit our website at www.lofunlimited.org
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Date published: 22/07/2021
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