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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,
cruelly half-electrocuted and then cut open to bleed to
death while still alive? Should chickens be forced to lay
more eggs, stressing their bodies to the point of permanent
molting, while living in cages filled with their own feces,
surviving in the freezing cold without protection from the
elements so we as people can enjoy a Mexican burrito? Or
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 the combination 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 problem. There is
research which now reveals connections between violent people
and animal abuse. And more shocking reports fomr the RSPCA
reveals that an attack to an animals happens every 19 seconds.
Studies are revealing that retaliation, fun and peer pressure
are all given reasons from the youth of this world on why
they would abuse an animal. And more than half of all surveyed
had first hand knowledge of harming an animal. From events
as graphic as use with firearms, to strangling, the list
is too graphic to continue here. Shocking....completely.
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 those, which are NOT selfish, harming or cruel
to animals and people alike. Education and respect for life
starts with the children who follow our leads as adults.
Whether it is a domestic animals 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".
For
more information on articles of abuse please reference the
following site: Animal
Advocacy
Please
read the stories throughout the site with an open mind,
and open heart. You will see that the faces of those displayed
in my paintings are those of animals who were given a chance.
If
you are interested in understanding what has happened to
the dog meat trade in Korea, barn yard cruelty, or animal
research, reference the following Web sites: "In Defense
of Animals" www.idausa.org,
www.peta-online.org,
www.hsus.org,www.animalconcerns.org,
www.aspca.org.
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