Brown Art by Dede Brown

Published On:Wednesday, February 03, 2010

By REUBEN SHEARER

Tribune Features Reporter

rshearer@tribunemedia.net

ANIMAL abuse is a major problem that has been plaguing the Bahamas for a long time. And all February-long, the Bahamas Humane Society will spread their message through a BHumane campaign, with photos of their in-house animals hoisted on lamp poles across New Providence, and a slew of public service announcements and school assemblies.

The campaign will kick-off Friday on Clifford Park and Fort Fincastle grounds at a launch party called 'A Night with the Arts,' designed to target young Bahamians to use their talents and artwork on Friday, February 5 at Fort Charlotte. Tickets are $100.

The BHumane campaign is about the business of spreading the word about good treatment of animals, spaying and neutering them, and finding them habitable shelters.

Ms Armbrister emphasied the importance of teaching children the sanctity of all life. "If we don't look after animals it will trickle down to society and cause the mistreatment of any living thing," she said.

Rebecca Armbrister, BHumane campaign organiser revealed the exciting plans to Tribune Arts, explaining that the caves inside Fort Fincastle will be turned into an art gallery. On the park's grounds entertainers Shiraz and band Willis and The Illest will perform all night.

They have based their cause on the emphatic words of Mahatma Gandhi, who championed animal rights: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Some of the artwork displayed will feature photos of some of the animals at the shelter, and paintings by Jonathan Bethel, Patricia Vazquez and Dede Brown who won the Central Bank art competition in 2008.

"We've gotten so many rescued and surrenders dogs that people didn't want any more," she said. "We have a lot of animals that came in after Christmas in all shapes, colors and sizes that need homes."

BHumane banners of badly treated animals will be up for the month of February, as part of an aggressive advertising campaign that will start in a matter of days.

The campaign will last well into the summer, where they will promote educational programs at local schools. An aggressive advertising campaign will start in a matter of days to showcase the animals at the Bahamas Humane Society, featuring Farrah, a dog featured in their banner campaign. A series of animal photos will be hoisted on lamp poles across New Providence.

Kim Aranha, Bahamas Humane Society president told Tribune Arts of Farrah's sad story last month. Her owners wanted to induce her death because she had fleas and tics, but the Society retrieved the dog four hours before she was going be killed.

There are countless other stories of indecent treatment toward animals, including a dog who was nearly stoned to death by some students under the bleachers at a local school.

Ms Armbrister said: "Friday's event strives to focus on the youth of our nation and teach them compassion and respect for life at a young age. These are qualities that must be stirred to life in their hearts before hate and casual disregard for defenseless animals has a chance to develop."

Swiss bank Lombard Odier is a major sponsor for the event, submitting a $15,000.00 cheque to sponsor the BHumane campaign.