New sign erected at a local equestrian centre; the exclamation mark
detracting from the politness of the request.
(Image: SA/2022)
I.
What has the world come to when you can't feed the local ducks some breadcrumbs, or give the horses that live nearby some sugar lumps?
How are children going to learn to care for animals and understand they have a duty towards them if they can't physically interact, but simply observe from a distance or from behind a barbed wire fence?
II.
I'm aware of the argument that feeding the ducks bread - something that has been enjoyed by young and old alike for generations - may have negative health implications for the birds and, apparently, pollute the water causing excess algae growth.
But I'm not convinced they'll live happier (or longer) lives by relying exclusively on natural food sources that they have to find for themselves.
For it seems to me that every creature appreciates a treat now and then, or enjoys a free meal. And it also seems to me that birds, squirrels, horses, and even sticky-bun loving elephants at the zoo, all benefit from friendly interaction with human beings as much as we do with them.
It's wrong to stifle the instinct of generosity and the will to share; particularly when this is said to be done for the recipient's own benefit.
I suspect that the same kind of mean-spirited people who put up signs saying do not feed in relation to animals, also insist it's harmful to give money to the poor; such handouts only risk trapping them in a lifestyle of dependency.
We would do well to remember the words of Schopenhauer on this question:
Kindness towards animals is so intimately associated with goodness of character, that it may be asserted with confidence that those who are mean to birds and beasts will also lack compassion and generosity for their fellow human beings.
Ultimately, by feeding the animals you nourish your own soul.
