Animals Have Rights, Too
Wild animals don’t kill for pleasure, but there are men who do.
In early times, men and animals lived in harmony. But as civilization began moving farther outward, conflicts became inevitable and troubles began. The powerful pounced on the weak, peace now is nowhere to be found.
Any harm by anyone done to another is a transgression against God’s divine law, whatever the circumstances bearing on the matter. All the religions teach that God loves all His creatures and wants them to live in harmony. A basic Hindu teaching declares that everything and everyone, even animals are parts of the One Supreme Being, and that all men and animals are brothers.
Simply by observing animals, we come to realize their affinity with us, humans. Animals are just like any human – they can be happy and sad, peaceful and friendly, or mad, jealous, angry and vengeful. Spiritually speaking, we need to love all things created by God. Yet, in many ways, we do not do what we are supposed to do. In scientific researches, innocent animals are subjected to all forms of torture usually resulting to their death for the benefit of man.
Animal rights advocates work toward the legislation and enforcement of laws that guarantee animal rights and protect them against all forms of abuse. Because of their continued initiatives, some laws relating to animal abuse, illegal hunting especially of endangered species, trapping, trafficking and others are already in force, but more of these are needed.
There used to hordes of large and small animals roaming the plains, but indiscriminate killings have reduced their numbers. Man’s continued abuse has decimated our wild animal population, this to our great loss. Because we are far more superior to other species, it is incumbent upon us, our God-given duty, to love and take care of all His creatures. But instead, we disobey and abuse animals and kill them for no reason.
Incredible but true. Since the beginning of time, animals have been a blessing and a helpmate to man. Many billions of ants aid in decomposition, cultivate the soil and kill harmful pests and help in increasing crop yields. Bats, bees and various insects help to scatter seeds so that they can spread to other places. Bees also produce honey. Where can we get milk if not from goats and cows. Many plant varieties owe much to birds for helping them to grow and propagate. Many pet dogs and cats have proven to be much loved friends. Other dogs serve as lifeguards, help hunters find their prey, shepherd sheep and cattle or otherwise help in farmwork.
In recognition of the great benefits we enjoy through our co-habitation with our brother-animals, there are now much work done by many groups in the fields of wildlife conservation, animal protection and animal rescue, animal rights and the prevention of cruelty to animals.
But much more are needed.
Source: animal cruelty