Liberty From Cruelty
Dogs, cats, birds, fishes are just some of animals we called pets, we love them and take care of them as if they are one of our family members. Some people even dress them up like dolls and bring with them when they go to malls or travel. We do not mind setting aside budgets for their food and grooming, why? Not only because we love them but because of what they bring to us, the joy, the company, support and loyalty they give back. But they are what we call the lucky ones, only small percentage compared to what is really happening to large number of animals that nobody owns.
Out there in the real world where they are being used other than what they are supposed to especially in field of medicine and cosmetics. Did you know that in producing medicines and cosmetics, it is being tested first on animal’s bodies to know of their products efficacy and side effects? Before your face powders, eye shadows, lipsticks, and other cosmetics were made available for you, a lot of animals suffered because they were tested on them. Before you take your medicine, some animals not only suffers the side effects but died in the process.
According to “The Humane Society of the United States” approximately over 250 million animals die in America while 56 billion animals die in the whole world every year. Can you imagine if one of your beloved pets were among these animals who gave up their lives in the name of beauty? How would you feel? We are not talking about hundreds or thousands but billions of animals suffering for the betterment of human lives, a life for a life. Is this really the only option we have to get a better result and products?
These along with those people who eat even endangered animals or made animals for clothing, shoes and accessories are considered abusive and cruel actions against animals. They do not care if in the future these animals will only be seen in books and video as long as they were able to get what they want and be satisfied. Real sad and devastating but true. This is what is happening out there. Because of all the news and reports coming out with regards to animal abuse and cruelty, a lot of people are now being worried about the increasing numbers of harmed and dead animals all over the world. Many concerned people are now joining together, forming groups, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) which is a worldwide organization and PAWS (Philippines Animal Welfare Society) campaigning, asking their respective government agencies concern to help them in educating and stopping people doing abusive actions towards animals. It’s not too late, we can still do something about it if we will act now, join us as we gather all our efforts to campaign and save all the animals. Let us help each other preserve their future, they have no voice, they could not talk. As what Louis Camuti said, “never believe that animals suffers less than humans. Pain is the same for them as it is for us, even worse because they cannot help themselves. ”
They are not given the privilege given to us who could air out our grievances to say “Ouch!” when we are hurting or “please stop” cause we are dying. Just like people, animals have rights too, to live freely and be protected from violence against them. There is nothing wrong with trying to find ways to help alleviate dreadful diseases for human lives but at least we should find ways on how we can produce them and test their efficacy in such a way that minimizes pain and suffering in animals and if necessary not to use them at all. According to Mahatma Gandhi, “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way their animals are treated. ”
Judging by the billions of animals dying every year can we consider our nation great? Morally progressing? I certainly think not. We are not moving forward, animals cruelty is barbaric way of showing our power against other species. In this regards, we should support and respect the laws that protect animals against abuse, neglect and cruelty. We could only ensure protection against animal cruelty if people would stop treating animals as property, they have lives, just like us, that we should respect and treat them in ways that we would like to be treated. Let us oppose this cruelty and be heard by joining together, we all love our pets, we treat them like family, this is how we should also feel with the rest of animal species may it be domesticated, farm, wild, water, or forest animals. Let us all be the caretakers of all creations, as what God has made us from the beginning.
