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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.

Scamus
Acrylic
14 X 16
Custom Framed With Story
Original
$600
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Kenne BoyKenne Boy
Acrylic
32 x 40 Framed
Original
$800.00
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Lillie and Eku ANgel Lillie & Eku Angel
Acrylic
36 x 50 Framed
Original
$1000

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Millie
Acrylic
12 x 14 Unframed
Commission
Original
$500.00
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.


Baxter
Acrylic
12 x 14
Unframed
Commission
Original
$500
.
.

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Travis
Acrylic
12 x 14 Framed
Commission
Original
$700.00
.
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...


Coco
Acrylic
18 x 24 unframed
Commission
Original $800


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.....
Bailey,Dawson
& Daisy
19 x 23 Framed
Commission
Original
$800

 

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Jessie
Acrylic
6 x 8 framed
$450


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Chicago
Acrylic
12 x 14
Original
$550

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Rusty and Sandy
Acrylic
20 x 28
$660 -Commission


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Smokey Earl
Acrylic
14 x 18 Custom Frame
$700


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Whitney
Acrylic
5 X 7
Quad painting
Original
$400


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Chloe
Acrylic
12 x 14 Framed
Original
$475.0


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Homer & Buddy
Acrylic
18 x 24
Canvas Wrap
Commission
Original
$500

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Sylvie and Gypsie
Acrylic

20 x 28
$660 -Commission


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Lisa - "True Blue"
Acrylic
8 X 10
Custom Commission
SOLD

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Poncho
Acrylic
14 X 18
Custom Commission
SOLD

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Boston
Acrylic
14 X 18
Custom Commission
SOLD

 

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JJ
"Rescued Greyhound"
Acrylic
16 X 18
Custom Commission
SOLD

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Kobi
Golden Retriever
Acrylic
SOLD

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"We Are Their World"
Acrylic - Custom Framed (not shown here)
24 x 38
Auctioned Nov 2, 2002
-$3500
created exclusively for Animal Friends
Black Tie & Tails Event -Heinz Field
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

 


 

 

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each original or artists copy will be donated to a shelter, wildlife fund, or humane organization.

 

 

 

 



 

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Copyright © 2001-2008 Liz Nicholas Art With A Conscience. All rights and media reserved.