Cruelty to animals, also called animal
abuse or animal neglect, is the infliction of suffering or harm upon
non-human animals, for purposes other than self-defense. More narrowly, it can
be harm for specific gain, such as killing animals for food or for their fur,
although opinions differ with respect to the method of slaughter. Diverging
viewpoints are held by jurisdictions throughout the world.
Broadly speaking,there are two approaches to the issue.
The animal welfare position holds that
there is nothing inherently wrong with using animals for human purposes, such
as food, clothing, entertainment, and research, but that it should be done in a
humane way that minimizes unnecessary pain and suffering. Animal rights theorists
criticize this position, arguing that the words "unnecessary" and
"humane" are subject to widely differing interpretations, and that
the only way to ensure protection for animals is to end their status as
property, and to ensure that they are never used as commodities. Laws
concerning animal cruelty are designed to prevent needless cruelty to animals,
rather than killing for other aims such as food, or they concern species not
eaten as food in the country involved, such as those regarded as pets.
Become vegan or vegetarian. Why would you tell
people you oppose animal cruelty if you ate a pig for breakfast? No one will
think you're serious unless you show you're dedicated. This means not saying
you're vegetarian and then sneaking pork grinds into your shirt. You can be
vegetarian, but becoming vegan is even better because you won't be eating
anything that has come from an animal, which prevents any chance of you
supporting animal cruelty
Encourage others to join you. If you don't have anyone supporting you, no
one will take you seriously. You can gain supporters by hosting rallies, or
writing a petition.
Host protests and rallies. Rallies can be held
anywhere. But be aware: if you're protesting a method of service, make sure
you're not on their property, or they can take legal action and call the
police. But you are still allowed to protest near the service area, just
as long as you're not on their property. For instance: if you were going to
protest KFC, then you'd need to protest across the street from their
restaurant. It can be anywhere as long as it's legal: a park, a concert, or
across the street from a service that promotes animal cruelty. Have a lead
organizer set up the date and the spot to protest, and get a lot of followers
hyped up about the rally. An example of a failed rally is when only you and the
organizer show up. Make sure beforehand that a lot of people are coming to
protest, and that they're serious about it. If you make signs about animal
cruelty, make a lot for the others, just in case they don't come prepared.
Support PETA. PETA is an association against animal cruelty. You can go to
Peta2 and make an account there, where there are many other vegetarians and
vegans willing to help the cause. The PETA sites regularly inform you of
upcoming events, and send you updates on the fight against animal cruelty. You
can encourage your friends to join the site too. And you can win points on the
site by replying to forum posts, and with those points, you can get free
anti-cruelty logos on things like stickers, pins, and buttons. You also can win
points by convincing someone to become vegetarian or vegan. Donating to PETA
greatly helps them in their quest to end Animal Cruelty
Start a petition. Print out a few pages of numbered lines, and on the first
page, write "STOP ANIMAL CRUELTY". You can carry this wherever you
go, and continually ask people to sign it. But be aware that you won't be able
to show these in restaurants that may serve meat, because they will think you
could destroy some of their business. A good place to get signatures is at a
park or rally, because these are regular places for petitions.
Be against animal testing. Many people have the spotlight on eating
animals, whereas animal testing is just as big an issue. You can buy or make
buttons that clearly state that you're against animal testing, and give them
out to others.
Inform others. Many people are unaware of the hidden cruelty which is taking
place every day. It's your job to end this. Hand out pamphlets that inform
people of what's going on, and what they can do to stop it. If you want to make
sure you don't waste your time giving people pamphlets who don't want them, ask
people along the sidewalk if they're aware of what's happening. If they say no,
hand them the packet explaining that it has everything they need to know. This
is better than sticking it in people's mailboxes because you remain personal
with everybody.
TIPS TO PROVENT ANIMAL CRUELTY
Letter writing. Write letters to you Congressmen and Senator
on certian issues that you feel strongly about. You can also include copies of
your petition to show the work and effort you put into the letter.
- Hand out things like bumper
stickers and buttons with anti-cruelty symbols.
- Regularly tell people that you
are completely against animal cruelty if they offer you something that
promotes it.
- Become vegan or vegetarian.
- Be respectful to others, not
everyone will see things the same way as you.
Do not preach and/or demand
for people to listen to you, because they won't.
