Human Etiquette Towards Animals

There was an incident where photos and videos of stray cat abuse were shared in an anonymous KakaoTalk chat room. In response, the Seongdong Police Department applied for a search warrant from Kakao to identify those accused of violating the Animal Protection Act. It’s shocking to live among such people. Over 200,000 people supported a national petition demanding punishment for the creators of this chat room, which is somewhat comforting to know. 🐱✊

We are becoming more aware of discrimination within our own species, and the expectations for basic courtesy and respect among humans are rising. But remember, humans aren’t the only beings on this planet, and every species has its own intrinsic value. It’s frustrating, like swallowing ten sweet potatoes 🍠, when people pretend that being able to think and judge gives them a free pass to dominate other species, as seen in the aforementioned incident.

Without much time to ponder my first book of the year, a book was handed to me at the very start of the new year. It was ‘Human Etiquette Towards Animals’ by Lee So-young, who has worked in animal policy roles at a civic group and a lawmaker’s office and is now with a local government. Last year, I clicked the apply button on my favorite newsletter’s book corner, charmed by the title, and unexpectedly won a copy! 📚

With a plain cover and straightforward title, the book doesn’t exactly grab attention. However, as you read this animal essay, you feel the author’s sincere love for animals and desire to walk alongside them. It’s heartwarming. Typically, when talking about something they love, people tend to lose balance and lean one way, but like a stately crane, the author maintains balance, viewing the theme with poise. Truly a class act! 🎩✨

The author believes that change in the world starts with asking ‘good questions.’ Solving the problem would be ideal, but even if we can’t, raising awareness and discussion may eventually lead someone to find an answer. A ‘good question’ that resonates must be objective and generalized. The author hopes more people will demand change not because they like animals, but because it’s the right thing to do. 💡🌍

This book gently delivers the author’s calm voice to readers, based on episodes from working in animal protection civic groups, a lawmaker’s office, and local government. Quiet yet powerful. If reading this makes you want to be a ‘better person,’ perhaps the book’s weight is conveyed? While reading about her 15-year-old pet dog, I couldn’t wait to get home to see ‘Mango’ (my dog), and couldn’t focus on anything else. 🐶❤️

Lastly, as the author suggests, I hope the state funds animal clinics for those fulfilling their duties and responsibilities under the Animal Protection Act. Then even elderly folks can worry less about vet bills and live happily with their pets. If this happens, I won’t regret a cent of my taxes. 🏥🐕‍🦺

To those who love animals and even those who don’t, ‘Human Etiquette Towards Animals’ is the first book I’d recommend this year. 📖✨