There is a special circle of hell reserved for people who mistreat animals. And Gillian McKeith.

No, not people who mistreat Gillian McKeith. They all go to Heaven.

My wife and I were shown a catalogue of mistreated dogs by a young charity collector while we were in Eastbourne for a day. Horrific. I wasn't previously aware of just how acute the problem is. It was a day I'll never forget for the rest of my life. Good on you anyway for taking in the poor thing.

> I wasn't previously aware of just how acute the problem is.

It's horrifying. My in-laws' dog was badly treated before they got him, and while he was only with the bad owners for a few weeks he's still a nervous wreck nearly ten years later. We're talking starvation, cracked ribs... there aren't enough expletives in the world.

I don't understand why people who clearly dislike dogs keep dogs.

We got Monty from Craigavon dog pound, who have photos of their current tenants on their website. Nearly half of them end up being put down. It was very, very hard to leave the place with only one.

> I don't understand why people who clearly dislike dogs keep dogs.

I suspect sadism combined with opportunism - dogs can't talk and testify. I also wonder dispiritedly whether such people go on to people after that, or whether they stick to easier targets.

Oh Gary. I've been out of the country so long Gilliam McKeith completely passed me by. Curiosity got the better of me. Google ..google. I'd rather not have known. But the Guaridan Bad Science articles were very witty.

> I also wonder dispiritedly whether such people go on to people after that, or whether they stick to easier targets.

Isn't animal cruelty one of the tell-tale signs of psychopathy? Not necessarily Hollywood-movie-style spree killing, but a complete inability to identify with others?

> But the Guaridan Bad Science articles were very witty.

Ah, Dr Goldacre. I'm a huge fan of his, despite his threats of violence when I interviewed him for a mag. He was only kidding. I think.

> Isn't animal cruelty one of the tell-tale signs of psychopathy?

Yup. I reckon animal cruelty ought to carry a major jail sentence, because of what it says about the perpetrator. The animal (unlike some human victims) could never have done anything to provoke the cruelty; there is no conceivable reason to be cruel to an animal other than the sheer joy of causing pain and suffering to something powerless to protect itself. If that isn't a good reason to keep people off the streets, what is?

> The animal (unlike some human victims) could never have done anything to provoke the cruelty

Provided it's clearly cruelty and not self-defence, sure.

An attack doesn't provoke cruelty; it provokes assault, retalliation. There's a difference between inflicting hurt and being cruel.

All I can say is that I am really glad you have Monty now. With enough patience and care hopefully he'll be able to let go of his abusive past. I can't agree more with the "special place in hell" sentiment. The laughably weak punishments for animal cruelty must be changed.

I remember once I was on the Isle of Man. There were a stray dog by the sea wall who looked hungry so I decided he needed my salami sandwich more than I did (I was 7). He crept up ever so gingerly and snatched the food from my hand. But when my dad tried to stroke his head, the dog shied away like he was about to be kicked. I didn't understand. My dad told me that someone had probably been mean to him, hurt him and so the dog was scared of people. I was so shocked and upset that I sat down on the pavement and wailed. That is exactly how I feel right now.

You'd best not read this, then.

On a happier note: nice blog, Inky.

It's dead good, isn't it?

You guys are great. I am scared to read it. Okay I am going to read it now. I'll be right back

Oh. Oh. That is so incredibly awful. I'll not be giving Londonderry my tourist dollars anytime soon.

That's a shame. You'll miss all their wonderful visitor attractions.