Animals versus Humans - A Specious Argument

Some might feel that the question of animals and their right to life is mute; perhaps even trite. I thoroughly disagree with this perspective. In my humble opinion, I strongly believe that life is sacred; all life, including species other than the human being.

The question is often posed: to act in ways which benefit human beings, OR to be advocates for animals; their welfare and basic rights. This, of course, is an argument with no merit. Those who post this question often do so with an obvious agenda; to quell peoples' empathy for animals for myriad reasons.

Immediately, when the issue is introduced; certain choices and behaviors that we make, either unconsciously or willingly and with knowledge of the results of our actions, come to mind. Choices in diet, "sports," dress, convenience, "beauty," entertainment, amusement and more. Often we blindly ignore the 'use' of animals in all these categories. The elephant at the circus, the dolphin or whale in captivity, the fur of a living, sentient being draped over our shoulders, that steak on the dinner plate, the young calf slammed to the ground by an aggressive rodeo competitor, the rabbit whose skin is burned repeatedly to test new cosmetic products, the old lion, whose fate it is to be sold to a "canned hunting" park, where he has no escape and is, literally, shot while standing still, unaware (having become used to humans) that his life is about to end, the cow, aka "livestock," forced into line behind hundreds of others screaming as they are hung by one leg, their throats slit before death comes; the bull running for his life down a narrow coridor while hundreds prod, taunt and tease him.

These are but a few examples of the ways in which humans subject animals to harm, injury, torture and death just to feed our selfish desires on so many levels.

Do I feel the need to protect these creatures from the hands of careless; uncaring people?

YES! An emphatic Yes! If I do not; if WE do not; who will speak for them? Because, if we allow ourselves to think about it; if we actually can visualize the pain and suffering we inflict on other living beings for our ignorant pleasures, I am certain change can come sooner rather than later.

It is suggested that a new idea must be heard 7 times in order for the typical human brain to begin to actually "hear" or consider it. So, let this discussion flow remembering that we, human beings, are only one half the equation.

When thinking about what we are capable of doing to animals, when absorbing the depths to which we have sunk in our pursuit of our preferences; there should be no place or reason for pitting one against the other; no question about whether one should choose to defend animals or human rights. The human condition is not the only issue before us but, to those who pose the question "humans vs animals," the plight of our earthly companions is placed on the back burner or not seen as having any degree of importance.

To care about one does not necessarily exclude the other. I find it intriguing that those who speak for animals do not berate those who act in behalf of humans however, many who support human concerns are loathe to accept that others choose to stand up for animals. The two are NOT in competition and, as a matter of fact; empathy for all beings will make this a kinder world.

The right to one's own existence is an intrinsic right. If I must speak out in defence of animals; I welcome the opportunity.