There’s been a lot of talk about the killing of Cecil the Lion in Zimbabwe, at the hands of American Dentist and trophy hunter Walt Palmer.

The topic has divided the world into two groups, one rooting for Palmer to face the consequences of his atrocious actions and one shining light on the fact that we are giving more attention to the poaching of a wild cat than the killings of so many innocent people. And the truth is, both parties are right.

Palmer should be questioned for his actions and at the same time we should count a killing for a killing, no matter what the reason behind it. It is our duty to point attention to all atrocities going on in the World, no matter what animal or colour.

As athletes we get daily invitations to charity events, to partake in goodwill programs and to speak our voice on World issues.

But what good is one voice if no chanting is followed?

Once and for all we should pay attention as people, as a race, as human kind, and respect the World and it’s inhabitants. I visited Africa many years ago and felt something in the air, different than any other place I had been to.Children with close-to-nothing had the biggest smiles on their faces, hard working women and men were never heard complaining and people and animals learned to live together harmoniously.

I grew up without animals and still remember crossing to the other side of the side walk when a dog was coming towards me. I grew up like any other child, fearing the unknown. It was only when I started spending more and more time in Los Angeles, known to be a dog haven, that I started to form a bond with this furry little beings. I’d walk on the street and there wouldn’t be a day where a dog didn’t make his way to me, to get cuddles, to smell my shoes or to jump on me with joy.

This is also how I started to understand the strong connections people can have with animals – sometimes much stronger than the ones we have with fellow humans. When humans kill each other it’s usually out of love or power. I don’t understand what the thought must be in someone’s mind when taking an innocent life.

We will all cease to exist one day, but nobody should have a say in when that day should come. An animal offers an unfair fight, because anybody can shoot a wild lion from a far, but if they’d have to fight it with bare hands…

An animal is also a victim that gives no reason to justify murdering it. Animals kill for the sole purpose of survival. It is humans who kill for every reason but the one of survival.

Killing is and always will be an unfair call. It is an arrogant thought. One that makes a killer think he can play God and decide when it’s time for someone or something to draw it’s last breath.

#mmlove