Animal cruelty should not represent a reality anymore, in the 21st century but, unfortunately, in this modern era ? the era of human rights - animal rights are still violated, mocked and abominable deeds still occur, sometimes right before our eyes. Although Nature put an equal between humans and other life forms, animals are still largely considered and treated by us as inferior beings, not as an essential part of the ecosystem that we are living in. In terms of humanitarian actions, they are often placed behind other priorities, which only increases the number of cases involving animal torture, ignorance, negligence and lack of responsibility towards them.
Why do people abuse animals?
It is no secret that we have a self-centered education and many humans are not even aware of their abusive behavior. Some may become furious when they read about experiments on animals or animal skinning to produce fur and make coats etc., but they will see nothing wrong in raising their voice (or hand) when their little furry friend does something against the master`s will.
What we must learn is that all forms of abuse are called ?abuse?; all of them are very harmful and cause permanent scars (visible or invisible). It is not for us to judge how much pain should support another being until we learn to get over ourselves.
Pet abuse is just as bad as hunting illegally, animal extermination, organized animal fights, animal testing and poisoning. Statistics show that in the United States, more households have pets than children and more than 1 million ?furry children? are abused, every year because they simply live in homes where there is domestic violence.
Why do humans abuse animals? There is no such thing as a good reason, so the answer to this question is ?Because they can?. Some humans even treat other humans the same way, so, sadly, things are probably even easier with animals.
In abusive homes, animals are often injured, maimed and sometimes even killed for revenge. Many abused women entering shelters report that their abusive partner harmed their pet, to cause even more fear and psychological damage. But what is probably even worse is that statistics also show that children living in abusive families tend to harm and even kill animals while at home. Also, FBI and Police studies show that most adult people arrested for animal cruelty have other records of violence and crimes.
There is a proved pattern in this: violence breeds violence and cruelty generates even more cruelty.
Other forms of pet abuse
A heartbreaking number of pets in animal shelters are there because the family neglected or abandoned them. The most frequent causes of people abandoning their pets are relocation or having a baby. Unfortunately, there is no excuse to treat other living beings as things that exist for our own pleasure and only for as long as we need them. Pets are not throw-away ?things?.
50% of the pets in animal shelters are being put down because no one claims them anymore.
We must mention the fact that, in the US, there are more than 5000 registered puppy mills that often hide different forms of abuse against the animals, who are bred for one single purpose: making a profit, regardless of pet overpopulation and the sad destiny of so many of these little souls.
It is not a secret that animals have been and are often abused in a variety of ways. However, it seems that things are taking a turn for the better by offering animals the rights they so desperately needed and deserved all along.
Many of us who have animals and love and care for them no matter what, especially when it comes to their safety and wellbeing, we will stop at nothing to protect them. Just like humans, animals deserve rights as well. However, we need to make sure that we are not overstepping our boundaries. Sure, we love them more than anyone can imagine, but we need to be careful not to fall in the other extremity. So, where do we draw the line between animal rights and exaggerations?
For starters, animals have the right to a good life. That means that they have a right to food, a home and good health. We need to provide them with the right standards and fight abandonment. For too long have the strays had to find shelter their own way and for too long have they had to accept the bad weather of humans. Most unwanted dogs end up in the streets because ?owners? either no longer want them, or they do not have the proper conditions for them. People need to understand that getting a pet is a commitment. Activists for animal rights are trying to implement legal documents that help spot out those that wish to become owners for a short amount of time. The contract is between the owner and the vet, and it requires that the owner will present himself to the vet?s office every six months for a free checkup. Activists are also looking for a legal way to stop gifting animals. This is the main reason they end up in the street in the first place.
We also need to take a better look at animal rights when it comes to violence. In the past year, thousands of dogs have been put down for either aggressive behavior or the severity of wounds inflicted by so called owners. This matter is still a controversial topic amongst animal rights activists, and many organizations are looking for the best way to handle this issue.
If we are to take a closer look to what animal rights really mean, we would notice that it is about their safety, and not just ours. Currently, the US has some of the best animal care solutions in the world and has taken an interest in giving animals the rights that they deserve. This is not meant only to set a good example, but it is also meant to raise awareness. So, in order to make some good changes, we will have to start with ourselves first. If you wish to take part in helping animals, you can contact your local vet and ask him how you can pitch in. If you care for animals, then you know that it is time to take action in their behalf.
