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■流浪貓「小美」(前)失去尾巴，「小儀」(後)則失去右耳。 資料圖片
兩名男子因將一隻流浪貓當足球般踢來踢去玩耍，導致小貓口鼻流血、雙腳癱瘓，最終傷重要人道毀滅，2日被法院重判囚16個月，法官判刑時直斥被告殘酷、沒有惻隱之心。法院重判虐貓者傳遞具阻嚇性信息，顯示動物生命亦要得到尊重及保護，以虐畜為樂、得到快感，一定會受到法律嚴懲。判決提醒本港社會，必須提高保護動物意識，加強保障動物權益，積極營造人與動物友善環境，建立與本港作為國際都會相符的良好道德文明。
根據《防止殘酷對待動物條例》，虐畜的最高罰款為20萬元及監禁3年，但以往案例大多只判處罰款或社會服務令。此次法院判處16個月的監禁，判刑之重出乎坊間意料。法院明顯是要讓社會引以為戒，切勿對虐待動物不以為然。判決讓社會明白，虐待動物是可恥冷血的行為。由此帶出正面信息：動物的生命亦要得到尊重及保護，即使是流浪貓亦不例外。
香港作為一個推崇法治文明的國際城市，應該借鏡先進地區保護動物的意識，及時檢討及修訂現行《防止殘酷對待動物條例》，並通過從嚴執法、判決提升保護，同時加強推廣動物權益工作，營造人與動物關愛共融社會，展現香港社會仁民愛物的人性光輝。
Cold-blooded cat abuse should be heavily punished and animal protection strengthened
On 2 Jan, two men were heavily sentenced by the court to imprisonment for 16 months for abusing and causing the death of a stray cat. They kicked the stray cat around like a football, which left the cat bleeding from the mouth and nose, and paralysed on both legs. Eventually the cat had to be euthanized due to maximal injuries. In giving the sentence, the magistrate denounced the two men as cruel and lack of a heart of compassion. The heavy sentencing of the cat abusers by the court sends a deterrent message. It indicates to the public that the lives of animals deserve the same respect and protection, and that abusing animals for fun and thrill will definitely be punished severely by the law. The sentence also reminds Hong Kong society that it has to raise its awareness of animal protection and to give greater protection to animal rights. People should know that only by actively creating an animal-friendly environment can Hong Kong nourish a highly moral and civilised culture that matches its image as an international city.
According to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, the maximum penalty for cruelty to animals is a fine of HK$200,000 and imprisonment for 3 years. However, convicts in the past were mostly sentenced to just a fine or community service order. The 16-month imprisonment sentence in this case is a surprisingly heavy penalty. The court obviously wants to deter the general public from doing the same and to tell people not to take animal abuse lightly. The sentence makes people understand that cruelty to animals is a shameful and cold-blooded act. It also brings out the positive message that lives of animals also deserve respect and protection, the life of a stray cat is of no exception.
As an international city that upholds the rule of law and a civilized lifestyle, Hong Kong should learn to be aware of animal protection from other advanced societies. The existing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance should be timely reviewed and amended, and animal protection can be improved through stronger law enforcement and heavier sentencing. By strengthening the promotion of animal rights, Hong Kong will then create an environment in which humans and animals can live in harmony. This reveals the bright side of humanity in society, and shows that Hong Kong is a place where kindness and love are given equally to all, both humans and animals.■Translation by Tung-ming
[ tungming23@gmail.com ]（節自香港《文匯報》2014年1月3日）
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