Stop Animal Cruelty
Animals must not unreasonably suffer or be killed in a painful manner.
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We are still turning a blind eye to the maltreatment of animals.
Animal cruelty means that a person knowingly or unknowingly harms an animal and its health is damaged or its living conditions deteriorate. This includes the impossibility of living a full life.
There are two types of animal cruelty. Passive animal cruelty is cruelty due to negligence. These can be, for example, starvation of the animal, dehydration, failure to provide healthcare to sick animals, housing in unsuitable conditions (heat, cold, humidity, etc.), parasitic infections, etc. These processes result in a gradual weakening of the animal and undermining its health. Under these conditions, the animal can take several days or weeks to die, which prolongs its suffering.
Active animal cruelty is an activity in which a person consciously and intentionally torments, injures or inappropriately kills an animal. It is believed that there is a mental disorder behind the behavior of people who actively abuse animals - such as sadism or zoosadism. Such persons may be dangerous to society in other ways too.
For a long time, animals were out of the protection of the law and their value was only a source of livelihood or labor for humans. Now, in the 21st century, animal rights are better than they were 100 years ago. Many states have animal rights incorporated into their laws and regulations. In general, these are the right to food, water and veterinary care. Also that animals must not be unreasonably exposed to pain or that they must not be killed in a painful manner.
Horse Race at Tampa Bay Downs. Source: Unsplash
However, there are exceptions depending on the cultural tradition of the country. Many of these are controversial and animal rights defenders continue to fight them. These include Spanish bullfights, rooster or dog fights, horse racing, zoos and more.
History Throughout history, the relationship with animals has also developed. Aristotle (384 - 322 BC) stated that animals lacked reason (logos) and placed man on top of the natural world. Nevertheless, respect for animals was very high in Ancient Greece. Some animals were even considered divine, such as dolphins.
The philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras (c. 580-500 BC) called for respect for animals and believed that human and inhuman souls reincarnated from man to animal and vice versa.
Leonardo da Vinci - self-portrait. Source: Wikipedia
In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519) bought birds in cages just to free them. His notebooks also record his outrage at the fact that humans use their superiority to raise animals for slaughter. That's why he was a vegetarian himself.
Did you know… Leonardo da Vinci said that "My body will not be a tomb for other creatures."
The first known animal protection legislation in Europe was adopted in Ireland in 1635. It prohibited pulling wool off sheep, and the attaching of plows to horses' tails, referring to "the cruelty used to beasts."
In North America, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was the first to pass an Animal Protection Law, in 1641. It was founded on the Massachusetts Body of Liberties by Puritan Minister Nathaniel Ward (1578 – 1652). Ward's list of "ceremonies" included ceremony 92: "No man shall exercise any Tirrany or Crueltie toward any brute Creature which are usually kept for man's use."
The French philosopher René Descartes (1596 - 1650) had a great influence. His work Meditations (1641) shaped the view of animals until the 20th century. To Descartes, non-human beings were nothing more than complex automata without souls, minds or reason.
However, Voltaire (1694 - 1778), in one of his most famous works, Le Dictionnaire philosophique ou La Raison par alphabet (1764) in the chapter "Animals", criticizes the theory of the animal as a non-thinking machine. If an animal cannot speak, it does not mean it is incapable of thinking. “When I speak to you, do you assume I have feelings, memories, thoughts? Well, I'm not talking to you; you see me coming home with a sad face, looking for a document, to open a desk where I remember I left it, and joyfully read it when I find it. You think I have experienced a feeling of sorrow and then joy, and that I have a memory and a consciousness. Use the same assumption for a dog who has lost his master and searches for him on all roads with a painful whimper, then returns home full of unrest and anger, running up, down, from room to room, finally finding his beloved master in the study and showing him his joy by cheerful barking, jumping, flattering."
The British philosopher John Locke (1632-1704) noted in the book Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1693) that animals do have feelings and that unnecessary cruelty to them is morally wrong. In a discussion on the importance of preventing children from torturing animals, he wrote: “For the custom of tormenting and killing of beasts will, by degrees, harden their minds even towards men.”
Interest in animal protection has been on the rise since the 19th century, especially in England. Educated classes began to take an interest in the needs of the elderly, the needy, children, the disabled and also of animals. In 1809 Lord Erskine (1750–1823) introduced a Bill proposal to protect cattle and horses from malicious wounding, wanton cruelty, and beating. He told the House of Lords that animals have protection only as property: "The animals themselves are without protection–the law regards them not substantively – they have no rights!"
The first draft of Animal Rights came from a group of citizens in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Around 1844, the group proposed an Amendment to the US Constitution, which states that if slaves from slave states receive representation as a 3/5 person on the grounds that they are animal property, all animal property of free states should be represented as well.
The first animal protection group in the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), was founded by Henry Bergh in April 1866. Bergh created the "Declaration of the Rights of Animals," and in 1866 convinced New York State lawmakers to pass an anti-cruelty law and give the ASPCA the power to enforce it.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Source: Wikipedia
**Mahatma Gandhi **(1869–1948) stated in 1931 before a meeting of the Society in London that vegetarianism should be in the interest of animals, and not just as a matter of healthy human nutrition. He also said: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
The 20th century is also a time of vegetarianism. In 1944, an offshoot under the leadership of Donald Watson (1910 - 2005), which refused the eating of eggs and milk, separated and gave rise to the British Vegan Society.
Did you know… one of the strictest Animal Protection laws was in Nazi Germany? Part of it was still in force until 1997.
In 1933, Nazi Germany passed the toughest Animal Protection Law that had ever existed. It was very detailed and had a high legal standard. Already the first version in 1933 contained strict penalties for cruelty to animals, a ban on the use of dogs in hunting, regulation of castration of animals, and set the maximum amount of work that can be required of animals in the fields or mines. Another provision restricted scientific and medical experiments on animals, which were allowed to be performed only in exceptional cases and with the express permission of the Ministry of the Interior. The strict Nazi lawin 1933 on the methods of killing animals remained in force until 1997.
The struggle for animal rights has also spread to the subculture – specifically to Punk. In 1980, it was mainly straight edge hardcore Punk in the United States and Anarcho-punk in the United Kingdom. Their activity continues into the 21st century, e.g. with the Fluff Fest event in Europe.
The beginning of the 21st century was marked by significant changes in animal rights – at least in some parts of the world. For example, in 1999 New Zealand passed a new Animal Welfare Act that had the effect of banning experiments on "non-human hominids".
In 1999, Public Law 106-152 (Title 18, Section 48) came into force in the United States, which makes the creation, sale or possession of a video depicting cruelty to animals, with the intent to profit financially from them, a felony.
In 2005, a law banning experiments on monkeys came into force in Austria, unless they were in the interests of individual monkeys.
Since 2009, the use of some or all animals in circuses has been banned in various countries, e.g. Bolivia, several European countries, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Singapore.
Animal rights and their position in society are improving every year. Unfortunately, there are places where animal rights are being violated and in some countries animals still have no legal support.
10 million animals are tortured to death in the United States each year.
One animal is tortured every 60 seconds. The abuse comes in different forms. Sadly, the effect maltreatment leaves on animals is always the same: fear, pain, and desperation.
Puppy Mills. Source: Wikipedia
Puppy Mills This involves the breeding of dogs, cats or other animals for profit in a large breeding facility, where animals are not always bred in suitable conditions. Puppy Mills thus contain 50 to 1 000 animals that live in wire cages stacked on top of each other. Urine and feces thus fall through the floor of the cage to the animals below. The animals also have little water and food, no temperature control and virtually no veterinary care. Animals usually breed among themselves and inbreeding then causes birth and hereditary defects. Every year, Puppy Mills breed more than 2 million dogs for profit.
Did you know… almost 65 % of all maltreated animals are dogs? One in four is a Pitbull.
Sport Hunting This type of hunting has nothing to do with hunting necessary for subsistence. "Hunters" have no respect for Nature and its laws. According to a survey by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, about 15 % of the US population hunts . However, hunting disrupts migratory patterns and hibernation, decimates animal species and degrades habitats. Trophy hunting aims to kill the largest and strongest individuals – but this creates an imbalance in Nature. Thus, genetic information from weaker individuals is passed among animals, and the population deteriorates. Canned hunts, where hunters shoot animals in captivity, is another example of exploitation and cruelty to animals. These are, for example, animals caught in the wild, but also animals that have "retired" and are too old for zoos or circuses.
Fox in a fur farm. Source: Unsplash
Fur Farms Every year, millions of animals are imprisoned and killed for their fur. These are mainly foxes, chinchillas, lynx and mink. Even rabbits, cats and dogs fall victim to the fur industry. The animals are kept in captivity on Fur Farms, where they cannot move about freely and are crammed into small cages stacked on top of each other. More than 50 % of American fur comes from China. When it comes to hunting, traps are used, where the animals die a slow and painful death.
Did you know… in the United States, over 3 million minks are killed for their fur every year.
Cosmetic Surgery In addition to breeding dogs in a variety of shapes and sizes, people also need dogs to have other visual characteristics. They apply ear cropping or tail docking. This is always an unnatural treatment that causes the animal pain and discomfort, also in later life.
Trade in Exotic Animals The multimillion-dollar business is comparable in money to the sale of illegal drugs. Dozens of exotic species are kept as pets in the United States. These include parrots, snakes, lions, chimpanzees and other animals. Some of them are kept in captivity for retail sale, others are captured directly in the wild. Most die while being transported from the wild to their new homes in zoos, private collectors, exhibitors, pet stores and directly to owners of exotic pets. Farmed animals are not much better off in captivity.
Did you know … 1/3 of parrot species are threatened with extinction, due to the trade in exotic birds.
Laboratory mouse. Source: Pixabay
Laboratory Animals Animals are most commonly used in toxicological studies. These studies usually include harmful pesticides, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Some universities go so far as to take dogs from shelters to be used in their experiments. About 75 000 dogs die in this way every year. As well as dogs, cats are also used for testing. Every year, more than 19 000 cats die in this way. In total, more than 115 million animals (including mice, rats, dogs, cats, rabbits, monkeys or birds) die from testing.
Manipulation and Crossbreeding Although for centuries humans have bred dogs, cats and other animals selectively to achieve the desired characteristics, today this interbreeding takes on extremes. Animals acquire a form that complicates their full life and causes health complications, e.g. Bulldogs or Persian Cats with extremely flattened snouts.
Animal Hoarding Animal hoarding is a situation where an individual acquires more animals than he is able to provide with adequate care and food. This applies not only to domestic animals, but also to farm animals. Researchers estimate that this accumulation may cause the suffering and death of more than 250 000 animals each year.
Did you know… 97 % of animal cruelty comes from farms, where most of these creatures die.
Declawing and Debarking Declawing, or also onychectomy, is the removal of claws. The owners let this be done to cats so that cats do not damage their furniture. In reality, however, it is not just a matter of removing the claws, but of amputating the last toes of the paws.
Debarking, or vocal cordectomy, is the removal of part of the vocal cord tissue in order to reduce the volume of barking in dogs.
Both procedures represent an unnecessary risk of complications for the animals after the operation and, in addition, they are actions that reduce their quality of life.
Animals in the Film Industry Although in the films in which the animals appear, the creators state that no animal was injured or killed during filming, there are still cases where this has happened. Of course, another side of the problem is where all the animals that act in the movies have been caught in the wild for the entertainment industry e.g. "Keiko", who starred in the famous movie "Free Willy".
Horse racing is a cruel “entertainment”. Source: Pexels
Horse and Dog Racing A dog or horse career in racing is short and has no winner. Their lives are short and, if more serious injuries occur, the animal is killed. It is often put to “sleep” after the end of the "career", which is about 6 years for horses and only about 3 years for dogs. After the end of the race, only the best are left for breeding; some find an adoptive home and the rest have an uncertain future. Greyhound racing is illegal in 39 states of the USA.
Animal Fights There have been bloody fights between animals organized for centuries around the world. In the United States today, animal fights focuses on dogs, roosters, and, in some cases, pigs. Cock and dog fighting is a crime in all 50 states, yet it occurs in all US states, in both rural and urban conditions.
Bullfighting This "sport" is considered traditional in Spain, Portugal and several Latin American countries. It involved the ritual killing of one or more bulls in an arena. Bullfighting is often excused as being part of the cultural heritage.
Real life of circus animals is much less glamorous. Source: Pixabay
Circus Animals On the one hand, entertainment for people, which has been here since ancient times, but on the other hand, mostly suffering for animals. Training tricks that are not natural for animals causes them suffering, pain and fear. For example, a bull hook is used to train elephants, which their trainers insert into sensitive areas of the ears and legs. Whips and chains or electric bayonets are used on large cats to force lions and tigers to jump over burning hoops.
Bull and cowboy. Source: Pexels
Rodeo You may have an idealized image of a cowboy on horseback in the times of the Wild West, but the current rodeo is more than real and unfortunately causes stress and pain to animals. What used to be a work necessity and the livelihood of cowboys is fun today, during which 3- to 4-month-old calves are tied to the ground again and again and get injured. The animals are exposed to tail twists and shocks caused by electrical punctures. They suffer from torn ligaments, broken bones, broken horns, internal bleeding and spinal cord rupture and untreated tracheal injuries.
Horses for Slaughter Horses played an important role in American culture, from transportation through work to play. They are also great companions and therapists. They can form bonds with humans and other animals. Nevertheless, according to the Equine Welfare Alliance, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 146 548 horses were transported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter in 2014. And this situation is still true today. Although the slaughter of horses in the United States is illegal, transportation for slaughter to other states is not forbidden.
For a better future of animals, we must fight for their legal protection.
The suffering of animals is the fault of humans, and only humans can stop this. We all have animal lives in our hands, so let's do our best to make these lives happy.
How can YOU help?
Help to enforce better laws Stricter animal welfare laws and stricter sanctions will lead to fewer cases of cruelty. Demand stricter Animal Protection laws from your elected representatives!
Support Animal Shelters An animal that has been maltreated needs professional help, usually immediately. It is the shelters that provide animals with a temporary retreat, in which they can escape the environment that hurt them. There they receive healthcare, food and, most importantly, a temporary or permanent home.
Don't Shop - Adopt! If you would like a new animal friend, before buying one, look in one of the shelters in your area. If you seek an animal with a pedigree, you will probably be supporting the breeding of animals, which is one of the forms of abuse (e.g. Puppy Mills). There are a lot of small and big friends in the shelters, who will be grateful for a new home and will be great companions to you.
Proper Pet Care Take care of your animal friends. Research shows that many pets suffer from neglect and a lack of exercise and care.
Teach children how to treat animals Psychologists report that if children are cruel to animals, this behavior is passed on to other people when they mature. It is therefore the duty of adults to teach children not only how to behave towards other people, but also towards animals. To approach animals with respect and kindness. Become their role model!
Buy humane animal products If you are not a vegetarian, but eat meat, it is important to try to buy it from free range sources. The meat industry can be very cruel, especially when it comes to cheap meat. But it does not only concern meat – also clothes and cosmetics, for example. Here is a list of cruelty-free brands. On the PETA website you can find out about companies that do not test products on animals.
Don't be indifferent If you witness animal cruelty or neglect, intervene. Do your best to prevent someone from maltreating an animal. However, be reasonable and do not put yourself in danger. Seek help from other witnesses, if necessary. Remember - animal cruelty is a crime and needs to be reported to the local police or sheriff. It is important to realize that animal cruelty can be closely connected with domestic violence. By reporting suspected maltreatment, you can help both the animal in need and the respective family.
Educate your friends and acquaintances Use the power of social media to share information with your friends and acquaintances. Show people how to react if they witness animal cruelty in any form. Animals have the right to live without fear and pain, and we have a responsibility to intervene if their rights are not respected.
