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There
is much controversy regarding the overpopulation of
animals in this country (US). And many animal rights
supporters argue that all animals should be free,
and should not be subject to acts performed by humans,
which are considered cruel.
However,
there is much confusion when it comes to the definition
of "animal rights" vs. "animal welfare"
and of course "animal abuse". Here are definitions
provided from combined animal sources:
~Animal
rights: means that we do not own any animal,
they are NOT considered property of ours to use for
food, clothing, entertainment, or experimentation.
~Animal
welfare: allows those uses mentioned above
as long as "humane" guidelines are followed.
Movements in this arena acknowledge the suffering
of animals and attempts to reduce that suffering.
~Animal
abuse: a widely used term to qualify any situation
(subject to the viewer or participant) which causes
an animal pain/suffering and/or neglect.
It
can be very controversial and confusing when you consider
the many interpretations of "cruelty" or
what could be considered "humane" or "abusive".
Some think that eating a hamburger or omelet is cruel.
The question becomes, is it cruel that many cows are
raised for the sole purpose of meat consumption, but
on their way to slaughter are jammed and trampled
in overcrowded trucks. Should chickens be forced to
lay more eggs that would be natural, stressing their
bodies to the point of permanent molting? Is this
also on the edge of being consider abuse?
Did
you know that 15 million dogs and cats are put to
death each year because of pet overpopulation, ignorance
and neglect on behalf of their human owners. If these
animals are considered "companions" (at
least in the US), then why are they cast aside when
life isn't convenient to their owner?
Bottom
line animal cruelty is now being viewed as a bigger
social issue. There is research which now reveals
connections between violent people and animal abuse.
And more shocking reports from the reveal that an
attack on companion animals happens every 19 seconds.
Studies reveal 50% are from the youth of this world
and more than half of all surveyed had first hand
knowledge of someone (could have been themsleves)
having harmed an animal. This is VERY distressing.
It
is my hope that we can all become more conscious of
what is happening to the animals on this planet. We
need to take responsibility to live our lives knowing
the decisions we make are humane. We all need to cultivate
compassion for animals and people alike. Education
and respect for life starts with the children who
follow our leads as adults. Whether it is a domestic
animal or those which are being raised for food products,
it is my hope that we can ensure less cruel treatment
of animals in general.
And
remember, as the quote from Mother Theresa states:
"even in the smallest acts, great things are
possible".
Please
read the stories on this site with an open mind. You
will see that the faces of those displayed in my paintings
are those of animals who were given a chance. Don't
we all deserve that?
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Elvis
