I choose not to live with dogs in my household because they are so needy and demand a lot of attention. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that animals have full on emotional lives. They are after all sentient beings. I do live with a couple of cats though.

After Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism, he abolished the unnecessary slaughter or mutilation of animals. He is acclaimed for constructing hospitals for animals and people alike. Wildlife became protected by the king’s law against sport hunting and branding. However, limited hunting was permitted for consumption reasons. Perhaps that is the closest thing we have seen to an enlightened society.

The treatment of these beagles appalls me. It is a sad indictment of the society we live in. I wish it to stop.

May all sentient beings be free and experience the natural joy in being alive.