Letter Of The Month: A Reckless Indifference To Animal Life

By Brie Anderson, Bronte on November 6, 2012 in Other

Most of us know what it feels like to lose a loved one. Unfortunately, last month our friend and occasional Beast contributor Floyd the Cocker Spaniel was hit by a car out the front of our house in Bronte. It was a horrible shock to the family and we are still adjusting to life without the unconditional love of our puppy of 14 years.

The most interesting aspect of the experience is that we have been exposed to two completely opposite sides of the human character. We failed to put Floyd on a lead and accept complete responsibility for the fact that he ran across the road.

However, the woman driving the car failed to stop! There is no question that she knew she had just hit an innocent animal and family pet as some witnesses followed her and let her know what they thought as she fled the scene.

On the more positive side of the experience, there were many people who stopped what they were doing to help, and those who after the event expressed their sympathy in various ways. Most of these people we did not know at all, so it has been incredibly heart-warming that virtual strangers have sent their love to us, as well as expressed their disgust and disappointment at the woman who showed this reckless indifference to life. A special mention to the wonderful staff at VetMed Randwick, who were professional, sympathetic and extremely caring to our family both on that fateful day and the days following, as well as over the last 14 years.

We understand that there are some who do not understand what it is like to love an animal as a friend, and those that do not care to understand; however, the great life of our friend and family member Floyd has been tainted by the lack of conscience of one individual.

To all Beast readers: please slow down in our streets as it could be a child running across the road one day and it is much easier to stop if you are obeying the road rules, as well as being aware of what is going on around you. Also, don’t underestimate the power and significance of a heartfelt apology. We just hope that this woman would not have done the same thing had this been a person.

RIP Floyd Cosmo Anderson 1998-2012