Nor should we overlook the ballot initiative process. Yet each one of these billions represents an animal who is consciously aware, feels pain and suffering, and experiences emotions. Served two years in federal prison for liberating 5,740 mink from U.S fur farms. Support for animal research is down somewhat since 2009, when 52% of adults favored and 43% opposed the use of animals in scientific research. "Ten Points for Activists" in Singer, Peter (ed.). Mar 20, 2021. more than 7 years ago. The Humane Scorecard also gave lawmakers credit for trying to boost funding for the enforcement of animal-welfare laws. The Humane Society of the United States has published its "Humane Scorecard," a booklet that indicates how politicians stand on "animal-rights" issues. Yes, our laws do not reflect our values, as Karen Dawn points out in her comprehensive article. Our laws do not reflect our values. Billions of animals are used worldwide by humans for food, scientific experimentation, sport, entertainment, and to create products like clothing, glue, makeup, and skincare. Meanwhile, we fail animals as we focus only on our highest goal, rather than shoring up the support we already have for the steps along the way. It is not at all surprising to me that you even find worse conditions on those farms. Strive to be well informed about the issue so that you come across as credible and knowledgeable. 3) Find volunteer or paid opportunities to help farmed animals by clicking here! In those same 35 years only ONE Republican has earned an "A" grade, and that was a fluke, IMO. Thank you for posting the article Making Animal Protection a Political Issue, written by Karen Dawn. The act clearly states that . Carol DiCaprio Herrick If people who care about animal cruelty want to see laws that reflect our values, we have to set our alarm clocks; we must get organized. This meant that animals were not the sort of thing that was entitled. Rick Perry. El Centro, CA Animal & Dog Law Attorney. Fish and Wildlife Service lists African lions as endangered, our government grants import licenses for the macabre trophies. They were distancing our movement from both the crowd at the event and from those watching later in the media. Josh Garrett Americans' attitudes toward the use of animals exist on a continuum of acceptability, and understanding this continuum is essential to being able to communicate about hunting effectively. PETA Asia-Pacific's Manila team has enlisted the help of celebrities and politicians to help promote their causes. 134 Harv. Gale Literature: Contemporary Authors, Gale, 2001. Well done! The amicus briefs from notable experts including Harvard University's Laurence H. Tribe filed in support of neglected horses lawsuit against his former abuser, Fourth Circuit Enjoins North Carolina Ag-Gag Law, States Animal Protection Laws Ranked by Animal Legal Defense Fund: Maine is #1, New Mexico #50, Amicus Briefs Filed Urging Oregon Supreme Court to Hear Lawsuit on Behalf of Abused Horse. Tuesday, October 6, 2020. more than 7 years ago. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently released a draft wolf management plan that will guide how the state manages the wolves who live there through 2028. This will give you a sense of what has been politically feasible elsewhere. PETA is an international nonprofit charitable organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, with entities worldwide. But what about animals? We found that political conservatives and more religious Americans were less likely to support animal rights. Donovan, Josephine. Why do some people support animal rights? While animal rights advocates assert that the protection of animals is a natural next step in the expanding circle of human rights, others view animal rights as a sentimental cause for animal lovers. In June, Canada passed a new law many are calling the "Free Willy" bill, making it illegal to keep whales and dolphins in captivity. It received more affirmative votes than any previous ballot in United States history. . The result is not only the on-going suffering of billions of animals each day, but also the ensuing degradation of our environment brought on by the meat industry, including a significant contribution to climate change, and in the field of research, the continuation of antiquated methods of testing, in the face of the development of more progressive methods which not only do not use animals, but also result in more accurate results. It explains why I am so often confused and aghast at how animals continue to suffer even though people seem to care. PETA believes that animals have rights and deserve to have their best interests taken into consideration, regardless of whether they are useful to humans. Thank you for publishing this article--it accurately reflects the bigger picture. Yet, those who acknowledge the gravity of our situation and continue ignoring the compelling scientific evidence indicating the necessity of making simple, healthy, compassionate dietary modifications are, perhaps, exhibiting an even greater level of denial. Civilization may well have been built upon the backs of animals, but we no longer have any excuses whatsoever to continue to treat them as non-thinking machines here only for our 'benefit.' Many politicians accept lobbyist money to propose bills that are not in the best interest of our country. An excellent article that clearly reveals the many ways we need to change. For centuries, animals have been exploited, abused, deliberately harmed and killed by people because they have been seen as different and inferior. How is that fun?, Kimmel said he understood hunting for food, But if its some a-hole dentist who wants a lions head over the fireplace in his man cave, so his douche-bag buddies can gather around it and drink scotch and tell him how awesome he is, thats just vomitous.. Vanishing animals don't have time to waste. We also offer advocacy training and support for citizens who wish to engage in grassroots lobbying. Lynn O'Toole more than 7 years ago. (23 September 2004). Appoint one person to be the main spokesperson. Registered in England and Wales. I hope that more articles are written that expose the atrocities inflicted upon animals. And she has appealed to European politicians to pass legislation that would improve living conditions for the millions of . Iremember a quip from Marianne Williamson in which she explained that people who oppose the most trivial gun legislation, or who zealously champion cutthroat capitalism, dont outnumber those who wish to see a kinder worldthey just get up earlier in the morning. In promoting animal rights, advocates have frequently analogized the plight of animals to human rights issues of the past. To update your payment information, visit our Member Center. One would expect our representatives to be bi-partisan on welfare issues, right? Recalling growing up in an African village terrorized by a lion, Goodwell Nzou wrote: We Zimbabweans are left shaking our heads, wondering why Americans care more about African animals than about African people.. Thank you for caring about those that have no voice, might it be that someday soon, a politician here and there can get a question directed on to their ballot box, to give creatures a voice, it's certainly long overdue. Since the release of the movie Blackfish, SeaWorld has seen its stock take a dive deeper than any of its orcas ever could. To this end, activists spend their time attempting to help provide rights and respect to animals. There is growing skepticism toward circus owners claims that performing wild animals are happy. 2022. 264 B. J. Lutz, J. M. Lutz / Society & Animals 19 (2011) 261-277 groups have achieved more at the state level than the national level, state char- DiCaprio is widely known for his sizeable monetary contributions to animal activism groups. It's up to US, the voters, to DEMAND more from politicians. The Dog Shogun: The Personality and Policies of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. ~ Rachel Carson. 2022 The Progressive Inc. 931 E. Main Street, Suite 10 Madison, Wisconsin 53703 (608) 257-4626, Making Animal Protection a Political Issue. "Living and working in defense of animals," in Peter Singer (ed). At the Humane Society Legislative Fund, our mission is to get political for animals by ensuring animals have a voice in the halls of Congress and state legislatures, educating elected officials and the public on animal welfare issues, electing humane candidates to public office, and utilizing the ballot initiative process to protect animals. As a movement, we need to elect many more pro-animal advocates to office. To be sure, the definition of what it means to be human and to which rights human beings are entitled is constantly evolving and remains contested as reactions to the Trump administrations new Commission on Unalienable Rights have made clear. That means no meat or dairy, of course; but . Today, the Humane Society Legislative Fund endorses Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris in their bid to lead the nation. Ask constituents to write polite letters to their legislators that demonstrate support for the proposed legislation. Any money that you spend will help to keep those industries turning over and perpetuating the torture of animals. To her admirers, she's a selfless saviour of innocent animals", "Politicizing Activist Discontent A Social History of "Vegephobia" in the French Animal Rights Movement", "A World Without Suffering ~ An Interview with David Pearce", "Joaquin Phoenix to Be Honored at San Diego Film Festival", "River Phoenix Ranks Acting Below Animal Rights and Music", "Pink Calls Prince William 'Redneck' After Fox Hunting Letter", "Animal rights protesters at NBA games rely on privilege - The Washington Post", "Young and Motivated: Creating an Army of Advocates", "Beyond the Law: Agribusiness and the Systemic Abuse of Animals Raised for Food or Food Production", "Morals, Reason, and Animals: Steve Sapontzis interviewed by Claudette Vaughan", "Jerme Segal: "Aujourd'hui, l'immense majorit des militants antispcistes sont non-violents", "Animal Pragmatism; Compassion Over Killing Wants to Make the Anti- Meat Message a Little More Palatable", "Interview with Paul Shapiro, of The Humane Society of the United States", "Meet Rakesh Shukla: From a techie to being Bengaluru's dog rescuer", "Ashoka Fellowship profile of Willie Smits", "Testing the Line: As Animal Rights Activists Push Legal Boundaries, Canada Considers What Makes a Terrorist", "The Animal Activism of Henry Spira (19271998)", "The Rights of Animals: A Very Short Primer", "Beasts of Burden: Disability Studies and Animal Rights", Animal rights activist accused of attacks in five American states, "Calamity Jane: Q&A with Jane Velez-Mitchell", "Interview with Donald Watson Vegan Founder", "Staying on Target and Going the Distance: An Interview with U.K. A.L.F. more than 7 years ago. more than 7 years ago. Karen Dawn runs the animal advocacy site DawnWatch.com and is the author of Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals (HarperCollins, 2008). . The vote in Los Angeles was unanimous. Maria Lauret, "Alice Walker's Life and Work: The Essays" in Harold Bloom. That appears to hold true wherever animals are used by human society. We must get them placed on Endangered Species List in order to protect them from being hunted, and ultimately from extinction. Lisa Qualls One hunter interviewed said he prefers shooting captive lions, who have been hand-fed by humans all of their lives, because their hides are not scarred by brush and battles. Here are some tips to consider, before approaching an elected official to advocate for specific legislation: Once you have laid the groundwork, you must determine your goals: Lobbying is nearly impossible without personal contact. Walker, Alice. I recently perused the bios of all 120 members of the California State Legislature. "Silver Spring Monkeys" in Marc Bekoff (ed.). It's high time that animal head-hunters power to shoot and kill which ever way they like (because the laws protect them) be cut off at the knees so that shameful oversights like the "Cecil-Lion" shooting and other like issues not be repeated again. Katzenbach Scholar of Law & Philosophy at, Primatologist, conservationist, expert on orangutans, Stand-up comedian, actor, director, producer and writer, Founder of the Israeli Animal Liberation Front. In the same month, the New York state legislature became the. To consider a ban on gestation crates a victory is to come from a very low baseline that includes use. But most politicians seem to put almost anything before animal welfare. MSNBC recently aired the documentary Blood Lions, about lions being bred in South Africa for the purpose of being shot by people, mostly Americans, who dont want to bother with a chase. Humane Canada promotes the enactment of federal, provincial and municipal legislation that protects animals from cruelty and provides a legal framework to ensure animals are treated humanely and with respect. Congressman Tony Crdenas Animal Rights I believe animals play an important role in our lives and should be protected from cruelty and abuse. . But the bill did not become law; Governor Chris Christie vetoed it. The baby monkeys will still be subjected to terrifying stress for a year and then killed so that their brains can be examined. Animal lives matter! Kean, Hilda. September 20, 2020, 10:00 pm A proposal backed by a congressman from the Sunshine State to crack down on animal cruelty is building traction on Capitol Hill U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is one of the top backers of U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse's, D-Col., " Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act ." As a vegan animal rights activist, I am personally sympathetic to that message, but I know that my personal sympathies do not help animalsstrategic activism does. x
Eric Mills, coordinator
ACTION FOR ANIMALS - Oakland. Alongside this important movement, compassionate people are working to ensure that non-human animals are not left behind. 7 In the case of a service animal or an emotional support animal, if the disability is not obvious and/or the reason the animal is needed is not clear, an employer may request . For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Usepage. It makes no difference to the elephants whether Californias progressive governor hates them or is just indifferent to them; they still get stuck with bullhooks. My fellow progressives are in favor of extending rights to others, but most just can't seem to move beyond the species barrier. "The Rights on Animals," in. If you work for social justice, I commend you and urge you to continue to fight the good fight. The babies were first to be removed from and reared without their mothers, so that the researchers could specifically demonstrate the effects of such stress in an environment of maternal deprivation. Whether theyre city council members, state representatives or U.S. Asking Christie to acknowledge that the animals he has singularly chosen to keep locked in crates should not be bred for food at all is asking him to fly when he has not yet learned to crawl. This involves circuses, bullfights, rodeos, even hunting. Idaho is pulling ahead in a race to the bottom for how states treat wolves. 2. 10. Alexandra Bechter In July, an American trophy hunter lured a black-maned lion named Cecil out of a national park in Zimbabwe and killed him. A recent headline proclaimed that animal rights activists had interrupted a speech by Chris Christie. A service animal is not a pet. more than 7 years ago. Foreword in Mann, Keith. Consider organizing a demonstration or event for animals in your local area for an issue that affects your community, such as Respect 4 Fish Day, Puppy Mill Awareness Day, or hand out vegan food samples and Vegan Starter Guides. At one end of the continuum is the animal rights mindset, which is the belief that animals have rights like humans and should not be used in any way. While I understand that the drone law doesnt technically create a whole new crime, and we can all appreciate attempts to simplify the criminal code, it is frustrating to see that the addition of one more item to that code was deemed to matter more than animal cruelty. Hilary Spreiter I think the common ground we should focus on is CLIMATE CHANGE, with animal protection a close second. Her emphatic but also realistic views on animal protection and rights are well written without condemning or aggressively attacking those not (yet?) Julija Nj. At a basic level, they are intertwined by the fundamental observation that animals, human and nonhuman, exist in the environment. Yet The New York Times reported that trophy hunters kill approximately 600 lions per year. Television meteorologist, animal advocate. Even the electric car company Tesla has begun offering a vegan version of its vehicles, with synthetic leather seats and trim. In the House, 38 Democrats received 100 percent ratings, including Barbara Lee (Calif.), Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) and Charles Rangel (N.Y.). Be patient, and be persistent. You can give animals that voice! By strengthening our country's animal welfare policies, Congress can make a big impact on the lives of millions. Most interestingly, however, we found that attitudes about LGBT rights, universal health care, welfare for the poor, improving conditions of African Americans, and supporting birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants were strongly associated with views about animal rights. A bullhook is a metal rod that looks something like a fire poker, with a sharp hook at the end. This is a British organization founded in 1977. "Oxford Group" in Bekoff, Marc. Finances Related People Donations. more than 7 years ago. more than 7 years ago. Common sense and critical thinking render the same conclusion. Only six Republicans rated 100: Christopher Shays (Conn.), Roscoe Bartlett (Md. But try as you might, it is often difficult to influence world events. Here are the top 8 animal rights groups that have been actively advocating the Animal Welfare Act since its inception 14 years ago. Only THREE noted concerns about environmental issues, and NONE mentioned animal welfare or rights. Thank you for this important and well written article. more than 7 years ago. These findings hold even after controlling for a variety of potentially confounding factors including political ideology.