To begin, I am not advocating that animals should have exactly the same rights that we have. In my opinion, granting dogs the right to vote is completely pointless, and about the right to free speech, well, it’s obvious (unless you’re a parrot of course, hehehe). Instead, I am advocating that animals should have rights similar to the rights that we have. Rights that essentially protect them in the same way that human rights protect us. My position can be summarized as follows. Some nonhuman animals resemble humans in many ways. They see and hear, remember and anticipate, feel pleasure, pain, fear, happiness, anger, loneliness, frustration and satisfaction…these and many other qualities define beings that are, in many ways, just like us. As a result, they should be entitled to basic rights as well.
Many people feel indifferent to animals and the idea of animal rights. Actually, many people laugh at the very idea of animal rights. Immanuel Kant, for instance, an 18th-century German philosopher, thought of animals as “man’s instruments”, deserving protection only if it benefits humans. But, wouldn’t you agree that the mistreatment of animals is very similar to racial discrimination? I sure do! We have already learned that skin color should not be a reason to oppress and torture others. If that's the case, why should discrimination against an animal be any different? If it’s a matter of mental capabilities and the fact that animals can’t verbally express themselves then: do we deny babies, children, and the mentally challenged, for example, the rights that they so rightfully have, simply because their cognitive abilities aren’t developed enough or because they can’t verbalize their thoughts like a “normal” person would? No, we don’t! Animals, in this case, shouldn't be the exception. Then, why not protect them as well?
It’s not a matter of whether can they reason? Nor, can they talk? But, can they suffer? And the answer is yes! Some people argue that animals lack emotions. But, I honestly believe this to be inaccurate and completely unacceptable. Take this for example: I went on vacation last year to the Dominican Republic without my chihuahua Dani for two weeks. She rarely ate during the time I was away. According to my mom, she was sad and missed me too much. As soon as I was back, she was her happy self again! Research strongly backs this up by providing ample evidence that animals can, in fact, show signs of not only physical pain, but emotional pain as well.
This brings me to the idea of Speciesism. According to animal rights activist Peter Singer, Speciesism is a type of prejudice in which humans see themselves as superiors to other nonhuman species (animals) and, therefore, have rights and privileges that are only limited to them and just them alone. Again, is this not very similar to the idea behind racism? Indeed, it is! There are those who believe people should be allowed to treat and use animals however they want. I am completely against this! People should not be able to torture animals or engage in acts of cruelty against them. I actually know of someone who used to pick up stray cats in his neighborhood just to throw them from the roof of his eight-story building because he wanted to see if cats really had nine lives! Shocking, right? Sadly enough, the law never punished this person.
In my opinion, animal rights should simply entail laws that prevent acts of cruelty to animals, such as the one I just mentioned, in order to keep them safe and secure. There should be a stronger law enforcement that protects animals from cruelty such as beatings and intentional injuries inflicted upon them. People with animals in their care should be held highly responsible for the welfare of such animals. Overworking and mistreating, such as is the case of circus animals for instance, as well as starving or depriving animals of adequate care and protection should, without a doubt, be against the law as well! Elephants don’t belong in the circus to begin with! Owners must always offer enough food, water and decent shelter to their animals. I mean, why not??? It’s not only the right thing to do, but the HUMAN thing to do!
If taken seriously, laws such as these, would do a great deal to protect and help keep our animal friends safe and happy. Keep in mind, that they are also living, breathing beings that are capable of feeling pain and suffering much like you and me. Why should we not extend a helping hand to them as well? Think about it…
