The faulted crux of our animalistic evolution
Since the start of civilization, there has been a deep-rooted relationship between humankind and animals. If we were to trace our steps back in history, the relation has always been symbiotic. The inter dependency that links humans and animals stretches far and beyond, let it be for hunting and food, as a means of transportation, for company and a sense of belonging or by domestication as a means of protection against other feral beasts. But as time passed and humans became more negligent of their moral obligations towards society and every resident being, the concept of manipulation and using animals for their benefit became prevalent. Due to large scale breeding operations, the population of certain breeds was promoted while some were left to the brink of extinction. But what is animal cruelty? Is it only direct infliction of pain and abuse or does it encompass neglect, exploitation, overworking, deprivation, exhibition fighting, and a myriad of other activities that are in one way or the other harmful to the animals which we are indirectly responsible for?
To answer this question properly, one has to look at what exactly defines as cruelty. Generally, it’s divided into two main categories: Passive and Active. Passive acts of abuse can either be unintentional and stem from ignorance, or otherwise. Its harder to categorize or point out as the victims are often pets, within the confines of ones home. One way to describe it is as instead of direct inimical action, it is basic negligence and disregard of the animal’s needs. It can include but is not limited to no veterinary checkups improper shelter, starvation, and/or inadequate grooming. On the other hand, active abuse’s ramifications are acts of commissions, where one purposely commits malicious acts against animals. It includes beating, whipping, branding, lading heavyweights on pack animals, exploitation via circuses, fur farming, exhibition fighting, and racing industry, etc. All these acts are performed intentionally, as acts of dominance but there is hardly ever a specific reason behind it. It emanates from when humans think so highly of themselves, they look at non-humans with a biased and inferior view. They are viewed as inanimate objects with unspoken emotions disregarded and thus humans feel that there is no moral imperative to stop them from harming animals. Humans are called ‘apex predators’ because of their diverse skill set but it also means that this power comes hand in hand with tremendous responsibility.
This precarious situation has always had its roots but more so now that there have been more cases of pet abandonment in the pandemic. The entire world is going through an economic regression and people complain that due to the financial burden, they can no longer afford pet supplies. Animal cruelty investigators have reported a 20% increase in abandonment calls since the start of the pandemic(Edwards 2020). This is where certain NGOs and local organizations step in. Dogs and cats have suffered the maximum brunt of this as they were solely dependent on owners once they were taken off from their natural habitat. This meant a huge increase in the population of street dogs and while foundations in Pakistan like ACF(Animal Care Foundation) and other global organizations such as PETA and SPCA took them in and vaccinated them, people felt threatened by the street dogs and resorted to pernicious methods of extermination.
But the situation is not all hopeless. As prevalent it is, it is equally preventable. So many organizations work and advocate solely for the protection of animal rights. Slowly but surely, local and provincial governments are passing restrictive legislation against animal abusers with penalties and round-the-clock hotlines which one can call if he witnesses a case of animal abuse. Protests and peaceful sit-ins are conducted along with social media awareness to educate every being about his responsibility towards these creatures who deserve nothing short of utmost love and care. We, as individuals, can do our best to inform everyone around us about animal rights, sign petitions and campaigns, be cruelty-free consumers and buy products not tested on animals and donate to organizations working exclusively for the betterment of our fellow earth inhabitants. Because the only way ultimate peace is achieved is by establishing a harmonious relationship with all those around us.
References:
Edwards, Schaefer. “Pandemic Plans and Furry Friends: COVID-19’s Impact on Houston Animal Rescues.” Houston Press, 4, 17 July 2020, www.houstonpress.com/news/how-houston-animal-shelters-handle-a-pandemic-11482906.