Hope they don't shoot me for it...

[Tukaram (Tim)]

We live in a compound with my wife's uncle, aunt, and some cousins. It was one of the older cousin's birthday today and we were at a party. Three of the younger cousins (5 or 6) had a little chick tied to a chair on a 3 foot rope. They were piling coconut shells on it, and hitting it. I asked my wife to stop them from torturing the animal while we eat.

She moved them to the other side of the house... with the bird

A minute later they ran by at full speed, dragging the bird. No one seemed to notice. They started to spraying it with water but it looked about half dead. So I decided to go home, I had enough.

Well as I started to leave I saw the bird gasping for air and decided someone had to stop these animals... probably not a good idea. So I took my water bottle and started splashing the 3 boys. I asked them - loudly - "you don't like that? I bet the f@ing bird doesn't either" By now everyone was looking. I said "I can't watch them torturing the poor bird, go@@med f#ing animals"

Then went home. 

My wife came home about 5 minutes later very mad at me. She said I ruined the party (but it sounds like they are still having fun - she was just embarrassed). I told her they were ruining that poor chicks life and I did not care about the party or their offended sensibilities...  The conversation went downhill from there...

She said she did not care because it was not her bird, and it was none of my business. Then tried to pull the "culture" card but I called BS. Humanity trumps culture.  She went to bed at 5 PM, quite mad. I just hope nobody shoots me over it. But if I disappear... you will know why... ha ha 

[earthdome]

Wow. That is a hard call. Hope all turns out well for you. When children act out that way it makes me wonder whether the children are getting abused by the adults in their life. They have no power to defend themselves from the adults so they find something they can have power over and abuse it.

[Dave Hounddriver]

I lost a kitten to kids doing the same thing.  6 months or so ago.  Kids are cruel here and no one stops them.  No one!

[Kuya John]

I'm definitely leaning towards Buddhism after that story........

100% behind you Tim for what you did, in fact I would of done it earlier.

It saddens me that in one of the last strongholds of what I thought was a caring nation, that parent's would allow that to happen.

Kids can be cruel, even to one another, but to treat a defenceless animal that way is not on.

Sorry I forgot we are talking about a nation, where some people enjoy Cock fighting, maybe that explains their attitude.

To kill a animal for food is one thing, to torture it is another.

[BrettGC]

We all love the place but the casual cruelty really does get to me.  I probably would've done the same Tuka.  

[bows00]

Wow, that is a hard pill to swallow.  Culture or not, it's about being decent human beings.   Good job Tim!

[BobP]

Good for you sir!  So, so very sad.

[OnMyWay]

2 hours ago, earthdome said:

Wow. That is a hard call. Hope all turns out well for you. When children act out that way it makes me wonder whether the children are getting abused by the adults in their life. They have no power to defend themselves from the adults so they find something they can have power over and abuse it.

Good point.  Whether that be the case or not, parents who would just watch their small kids do something like that are beyond belief.  Culture be damned.  You would even think they would protect a chick because it has future food value.

[earthdome]

9 minutes ago, OnMyWay said:

Good point.  Whether that be the case or not, parents who would just watch their small kids do something like that are beyond belief.  Culture be damned.  You would even think they would protect a chick because it has future food value.

Yeah. I agree.

[Gator]

7 hours ago, Tukaram (Tim) said:

Then tried to pull the "culture" card

Pull the God card - you know, God created these beautiful little creatures the same as he created us. It's a sin to be cruel to them....blah, blah, blah. It still may not be too late for that. 

Don't know if your wife's Catholic, but Catholic guilt ...... she and her entire family would have run to church begging forgiveness at confession. Would've made them feel better and given the little a chick a break. 

Personally I would have thrown a few pesos down on the table as payment, taken the bird with me and, as I was leaving, pointed towards heaven and said "He is watching and may His wrath be upon you!"  

The looks on their faces would've been priceless.