I've heard more than once from some caregivers that the cats disappeared from their estate. Why? Because they believe that the cats were eaten by foreign construction workers. There was no proof - just that there were construction workers there, and the cats were gone.
This letter was a nice example to show that just because someone is from a different culture from us doesn't mean that they are necessarily animal chomping barbarians. In fact, often construction sites are where animals start breeding because they are getting fed by people there. Some unfortunately also leave the animals behind when the work is done, presumably also because it is difficult for them to take the animals with them to their new jobs. This does lead to other attendant problems obviously, but we shouldn't be quick to jump to the conclusion that everyone different from us, is out for fresh cat or (in this case) rabbit meat.
9 comments:
This abandoned cat was looked after by this foreign worker from India. The cat acquired a liking for curry. She is now part of Mary's family.
Thanks - am glad you mentioned this cat again :) I remember her!
People who are kind/cruel to animals are not categorized by local/foreign status.
Very well said.
Funny. My wife and I are both foreigners and we've adopted cats in Singapore, and sometimes give food to the hungry ones we see in the neighborhood.
As for construction workers eating cats... I wouldn't know, but I wouldn't just assume that was the case, just like I wouldn't assume all Asians like rice, or all Indians like curry.
Brad Farless - exactly. I guess there are some stereotypes. I don't actually know of ANY cases where construction workers were found to be eating cats.
Ashamedly, I always believed my first cat could have been gobbled up by the very people who build our homes, when he disappeared somewhere after construction on a house nearby began, because I couldn't think of why he would abandon me after 2 years. Until several later-learned factors led me to consider the fact that he could've fallen ill and gone away to die. :(
Glad that you reconsidered Pigcat. I think sometimes it's just that we have preconceptions - and it's only when these preconceptions are set in stone that we have a real problem.
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