Trophy hunting needs to stop now
The hunting team and the dentist must have known full well that the lion they killed was protected, as it had a global positioning system (GPS) collar on it (‘Hunter accused of killing beloved lion’, Gulf News, July 29). They deliberately lured it out of the reserve to shoot it. The land owner and professional hunter who organised the shoot are facing charges and could get 15 years in prison. I think they should. The dentist should also face poaching charges. He has gone into hiding due to all the hatred directed at him, and rightly so. Not only did he kill Cecil the lion, but doomed all his cubs to death, as the new dominant male will kill them all. So, he is solely responsible for the death of an entire pride. According to the UK Charity, LionAid, there are approximately 15,000 lions left in the wild across the whole of Africa, down from 200,000 30 years ago — this has to stop!
From Ms Emma Schlegel
UAE
Facebook comment
His turn to be hunted
This dentist is in hiding after receiving threats from outraged animal lovers. He is also on probation in the US for illegally killing a bear. He paid over $50,000 (Dh184,000) to hunt, kill, decapitate and skin this beautiful animal for sport.
From Ms Debbie McMillan
Orlando, US
Facebook comment
This is murder
Killing an innocent animal for the sake of fun is totally unacceptable. The hunter, Walter James Palmer, and people like him, are not displaying humanity at all. They are not hunting, they are murdering innocent animals for nothing. This was very sad news to read and hear about.
From Mr Naresh Kumar Devra
UAE
Website comment
Emergencies aren’t a time to segregate
If someone finds a man, woman or child in a distressful situation, whatever be the cause, and if they are courageous enough, they would try to help them even if they think their life is in danger (‘Poll analysis: Readers stand up for animal welfare’, Gulf News, July 29). In such cases, they would be protecting the life of a human being. It shows their bravery and the fact that they are ready to face any eventuality. Now, many people love animals and they treat them as their own family members. Wherever they go, these pets accompany them and are a sort of protection to them. But the refusal of emergency crews in giving a helping hand to people with their pets in the 2005 Hurricane Katrina rescue operation in the US, and the reason they stated, was not in the right spirit. We should not segregate animals from people at the time of such emergency situations. If I were one of the crew members, I would have tried to protect both people and animals. We should treat both as God’s gift to Earth and give them equal importance.
From Mr Thottikamath Balaraman
Dubai
Reflection of honesty
Recently, I was travelling from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1. I had made some purchases from a store and went to the boarding gate for departure. When I checked, I realised my wallet was missing and I couldn’t remember where I lost it. So, I decided to complain to the lost and found section. To my surprise, I found two staff members coming towards the gate I was at, holding my wallet out to me. I thank the staff and appreciate their commitment towards the public. This is a true reflection of Dubai and it shows how honest the people in the country are, in general.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
School bags’ long term impact
Since children will be going back to school soon, I think it’s important to note what parents should be looking for when picking out schoolbags (‘Maharashtra sets schoolbag weight limit’, Gulf News, July 25). First, do not overload school-going children with excessive weight. According to the article, the load in school bags should not exceed more than 10 per cent of the child’s body weight.
Next, get children into the habit of checking their timetables and packing the books they need for that day only. Pack and carry the schoolbag correctly. Pack heavy items near the back of the bag and always carry the backpack using both shoulder straps.
Bags that offer properly researched spinal support, provide stability and ensure even distribution of weight, with perfect contact between the shoulders and the lower back.
Thick back padding that is strategically placed for comfort helps cushion the load. Wide curved shoulder straps reduce pressure on the shoulder and neck area. As a child grows, the schoolbag should grow with him/her. I believe we should be buying bags that are medically endorsed by either chiropractors or physiotherapists.
From Mr Sandeep Chawla
Dubai
Benefits of solar energy
Of late, conservation of energy is on my mind and I am trying my best to create awareness about conserving energy in my neighbourhood, among my relatives and friends. I strongly feel that for apartment buildings, solar power offers a number of potential benefits. Another option is to use the power from solar panels for common areas, such as hallways and lobbies, or common amenities such as pools.
By the grace of God, the UAE is blessed with ample sunshine, especially in the months of June, July and August. Solar energy reduces the use of fossil fuels and the carbon footprint of residents by decreasing carbon emissions from fossil fuels used to provide heating and power.
I request the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) to introduce initiatives to create awareness among building owners, and to make provisions for installing solar panels in residential buildings. It is interesting and a revolution in terms of transforming consumers of energy into producers of energy. This is the future, when it comes to protecting oneself against electricity price rises.
From Mr Vijay Vivekanandan
Dubai
Valiant last act
The accident involving the mother who fell through the floor of an escalator, was just horrific to read about (‘China escalator swallows toddler’s mother: report’, Gulf News, July 28)! The mall management security should be sued! It was so sad to read about how she pushed her child to safety at the cost of her own life. Mothers will always be mothers.
From Ms Baki Beshara
UAE
Facebook comment
Make sensible choices
It’s neither sensible nor correct to blame the availability of fast food for the issues of weight gain in the population (‘Ignoring doctor’s advice leads to higher health care costs’, Gulf News, July 27). Adults should be able to make sensible choices. The risks associated with lifestyle aren’t exactly a mystery. People are choosing obesity and their children follow.
From Mr Simon Latimer
London, UK
Facebook comment
Rents won’t reduce
I don’t think the landlords will ever bring down the rents (‘6,750 new properties delivered in Dubai; rents down 3%’, Gulf News, July 27). It seems like they want it to increase always. It doesn’t seem to matter that many apartments are empty. In my area, rent increases almost 15 per cent a year!
From Mr Kajmer Ripon
UAE
Facebook comment
Not seeing decrease
This is a joke, right? My two-bedroom flat is due for renewal next month and the developers are allowed to increase it by 20 per cent, based on regulation. The funny part is that last year, they slapped a 20 per cent increase on my rent and another 20 per cent this year, because my annual rent is still lower than the market value around the area. The building maintenance is terrible — it looks old and I remember that they serviced the air conditioner and cleaned the building exterior only once in my five-year stay!
From Mr Paul
UAE
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