Good That Dog Killer Was Put Away
The StraitsTimes, 18 Sept 2003

By DANIEL PADEN
Virginia, USA

WE AT People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta), the world's largest animal-rights organisation, are pleased to see that Chinnaiah Solai - who pleaded guilty to causing the death of a puppy by repeatedly slamming it to the ground last year - will be jailed for three months ('Dog killer jailed three months'; ST, Sept 13).

Because repeat offences by animal abusers are the rule rather than the exception, we would also hope that Chinnaiah was, or will be, permanently prohibited from harbouring or coming into contact with animals of any species in the future.

Imprisoning him will also keep Singapore residents safe. Mental-health professionals and top law-enforcement officials consider cruelty to animals a red flag. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers cruelty to animals one of the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders, and the FBI uses reports of animal abuse in analysing the threat posed by suspected and known criminals.

Taking into account Chinnaiah's scuffle with Mr Koh Eng Kiat - who was trying to stop the former's violent actions - it is clear that he may well exemplify the correlation between cruelty to animals and interpersonal violence.

Readers who want to learn more about how they can prevent the abuse of animals can log on to www.helpinganimals.com

DANIEL PADEN
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta)