I knew this would make it here : )

The end of human decency....yeah I get it.

I didn't even know cats could die.

This shot is disturbing and pretty awful in my mind. I know these challenges are for interpretation, but things like this just don't belong, in my opinion anyway.

I find the words of the commentors interesting. If this was a drowned bird or something less pet-like and ugly, I'm sure the reactions would not be as negative. Same as people not caring about an endangered species of spider (because they're gross), but they scream bloody murder over the hunting of harp seals (not endangered but fluffy and cute) which is necessary for the livelihood of native peoples in Canada. Brave of you to post this and well deserving of a feature.

Hmmmm...Dave, I think you over-estimate the importance of what it is we are about on this site. It doesn't take any kind of bravery to post a shot like this. It is a disturbing image, and you cannot change the relationship we have to certain animals on this planet. Some of the images in this theme have been truly gruesome, and I for one will be glad to see the back of it. I think at this time of year (at least in the Nothern Hemisphere) we need to be cheering ourselves up. Btw this has naff all to do with hunting Harp seals.

Psychodudu: I'm not quite sure why you feel the need to jump in and make comments to people that you don't agree with, just to add your 2 cents worth, but it is quite annoying. I've seen you do this time and time again with other photographers too, so I'm not being touchy. It was my opinion directed to jean-françois abbate, since it is HIS photo after all and you have nothing to do with it. And done.

I walked along a canal in Paris, France and I have make this hideous discovery. A floating dead cat. After a feeling of disgust, I decided to continue my road, but I retraced my steps, fascinated by this rather rare situation. And I took a photo. I understand that she can shock (there is a sort of taboo with the death of pets) but it is only the reflection of a reality, the one that I had in front of my eyes. And I do not find her more horrifying than the one with the animal with the head crushed in the middle of the road. I am sincerely sorry that several persons are so much shocked by this photography.
Jean-françois
(Sorry for my bad English!)

Potent image! The green water and marvelous interacting rings of the water drops make this all about the transient life for me and the 'end' is more of a returning anyway to this taoist's eye. Rare indeed and as noted in the comments it strikes a deep chord.

People in glass houses Dave. You're passing judgement on all the other people's comments, so why can't I do the saame to you? Go boil your head, you pompous twit.

Sorry, I withdraw my pompous twit comment.That was uncalled for.

This is a very powerful image, and it made me cringe upon viewing it. My observation (after reading the comments) is that a dog or a cat would probably evoke the same negative reactions from us, because they are common household pets to most of the world. Had it been a fish or a rat? I doubt it would have inspired such a discussion. Most people don't care about rats and fish. It is interesting that certain animals can be meaningful, while others can be trite.
A smashed cat on the road, "OH NO!!!" A smashed raccoon? "Another one bites the dust."
Why are we like that?
That's the question we should be reflecting upon.
Life is life.
Is it not?

I too had a strong reaction to this image. Death is not a subject most of us like to think about regardless of the species (including ourselves).

What I do celebrate about this image is the fact that it provokes emotion. Again, the incredible power of photography and a single image is demonstrated be it positive or not.

I like cdcootie's thoughts, we return to the earth... with this in mind, I find this image really beautiful.

This image is excellent. Super fitting for the theme. I think the majority of photographers think that photography needs to be of pretty or sterile subjects but you had the foresight to photograph this and did a great job with it as well. Photography should be about provoking emotions, making statements, telling a story, etc regardless of if the subject is pretty or stark in either appearance or message. I also agree with Ana's comments above about how we look at certain animals differently and that we should reflect upon that. Since I agree with Ana, and it has caused some inner reflection/thought, I think your photo did it's job superbly and then it answers the age old question about why cats hate water.

I agree with what dcreighton says above. I don't think we should necessarily always be shooting the "pretty" things in this world. This photo is reality, and has obviously struck a chord with many people in this community. It's exactly what a photo should be -- evoking of a reaction. There are a few images in this theme that people seem to have issues with, and instead of saying it's "wrong", maybe people should examine WHY it's apparently wrong before biting other peoples' heads off for posting things that are potentially controversial.

That said - kudos to you, jean-francois, for posting it and eliciting so much reaction. It's a very impactful image.

I totally agree with Carrie (Delineated). I think people should analyze their own emotions and try to remain objective. The picture is powerful and perfect for the theme.

this is amazing.

Jean-François,

J'ai vue cette image avant que j'suis devenu un membre de WeeklyShot. J'au voulu donner mon commontaire maintenant, et dire que c'est une tres belle image et une photo merveilleuse pour ce theme. Super bon travail!