Be merciful to those on the earth

Al Haram dog and Tanta dog, there is a huge cultural difference and a distance that is not measured in kilometers, but rather in compassion, awareness, and humanity. The first, a simple street dog, climbed to the top of the Khufu Pyramid last October, suddenly becoming the story of the world, attracting unexpected attention, and was circulated by newspapers and news agencies as a strange, yet inspiring, a symbol of nature embracing history.

The second, a husky dog in Tanta, was unjustly labeled "rabid," subjected to brutal torture that tragically ended his life, revealing the fragility of the culture of animal welfare in our societies. We urgently need to revive this culture...not as a luxury...but as a humanitarian, religious, and moral necessity.

All religions, without exception, call for mercy toward animals. In Islam, a woman went to hell because of a cat, and a man entered heaven because he gave water to a dog. In Christianity, there are clear commandments about love and mercy toward all creatures. And the Holy Quran frequently speaks of mercy as a characteristic of believers.

Dr. Sameh Eid, professor of clinical psychology at Cairo University, says, "Anyone who tortures an animal without mercy is often psychologically predisposed to harming humans. A child or teenager who kills a dog today may become a criminal tomorrow. Compassion for animals reflects a healthy human psyche."

We have a very civilized law protecting animals from torture and bullying, but it's not enforced. I don't know who's enforcing it, and we don't know what its provisions are. We need an awareness campaign by civil society organizations and the media. We also need shelters that sterilize, feed, and shelter dogs, cats, and other pets. It would be preferable if it is funded by donations, in any developed country, the aren't any dogs in the streets without ID. No civilized country leaves its pets hungry, sick, homeless, or infested with insects in the streets.

On social media platforms, we have seen widespread sympathy, campaigns demanding investigations, calls to establish associations, and an awareness that had appeared in the hearts of new generations.

Keeping animals safe not only protects them, but also the environment and the biological cycle, and protects humans from heartbreak.

Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will have mercy upon you.