My Evil Side

Everyone knows I am an animal lover, not to the point of swearing off all animal products and eating meat (unless I have recently watched Babe), but a pretty big animal lover.  When neighbours talk about shooting the rabbits, squirrels and other backyard friends, so that they don't eat the plants, I don't join in the conversation.  

I will admit though when I see articles like this:

"Two hurt in first day of Spain bull running"

It sort of makes me smile.  No, I am not some sort of ill wisher on humans, but people...when you run with bulls you will get hurt.  It's the same with matadors.  I hate bull fighting with a passion.  Why it still goes on, is beyond me.  When I hear of a bull goring the matador I say, "good for the bull."  I have no sympathy whatsoever for people who play with deadly animals and get hurt.  Living with bears killed a man? Really?? He lived with bears people!  It's not a question of if, but when.  You keep a gorilla as a pet?  It ripped some one's face off?? It's a GORILLA!  Even when "domesticated" animals attack it still doesn't surprise me.  Granted for dogs, I really believe there is some sort of provocation or mistreatment somewhere along the line, in 98% of incidents, but there is always a chance with any sort of animal for the to attack.  It is a risk of being near an animal, having a pet, working with animals or even visiting them in the zoo.  

Yes it is sad when someone is hurt or killed, but in situations of bull fighting, running with bulls, playing with bears and lions and elephants (oh my!), are we really that surprised?

On a side note, I bought Mark the Cabela's Big Game Hunter last year for Christmas.  I know he likes to hunt, he knows I hate it, it was a compromise!  As I watched him play it one day, I was still a little bothered by the virtual killing until I saw him get demolished by a mountain lion.  I thought it was only fair that if he can try to kill the animals, the animals can kill him.  Hunting to me is a little funny actually.  Nothing like a man (or woman) decked out in camo, hiding behind a tree, waiting to sneak up on a poor, unsuspecting deer.  Takes a whole lot of know how to hide from a deer.  (I know, I know, Jared you will say there is more to it...it's still a game of hide and seek no matter what you say).  Hunting will never be explained in a positive light to me.  I will say I have no problem with hunting for those who must do it to support their family.  Yes, many people who hunt today will say they eat the meat....good for you.  Do you still have to hang the head in your living room?  And tell me why you shot the lion? Are you going to eat it?  Didn't think so.

Anyway, this wasn't meant to be about hunting, just my little rant about those who decide to play with big, strong, killer animals.  If you get hurt, it's your own fault.  I am sorry to your families, but maybe next time you shouldn't run with bulls, play with grizzly bears or hug lions.