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Animal Welfare. 2010-2011. Fighting Old Battles in a New Year.




We are at the cusp of another year, and we do not know with utmost certainty what the new year will bring to animal welfare. Chances are, there will be more of the same---heart-warming rescues-- continued protests against the circus, the fur industry, the farm industry, puppy mills, animal experimentation, and hunting. The year 2011 is going to be a stew of unspeakable cruelty mixed in with chunks of sweet animal liberation. Even with morphing specifics, the issues will follow a general, well-trodden path. The route straddles a great divide between good and evil. We are on a continuum, and no one intends to jump off.

I can tell you one thing for certain; there will not be a cruelty-free world in 2011. For as long as humankind is around, there will be animal cruelty. Humankind is the common denominator. As I have stated before, there is no animal-to-animal cruelty, no animal-to-human cruelty. But, there is human-to-animal and human-to-human cruelty. It is a small consolation that from this very flawed species spring a handful of enlightened individuals who seek to tip the balance, favoring compassion over evil.

For animal rights activists, there will be no surprises in our work. The life of an animal rights proponent is very predictable. No matter what year it is, life is a continuing struggle for us. There is no long rest period. There are no permanent vacations. We exists to move forward. We will go where there is injustice. We will do what we can. We will speak to those who are willing to listen. We will reach deep into our pockets without becoming destitute ourselves. We will arrange our schedules, and honor our respective commitments to animal welfare. We will continue to offer our hearts and souls at the alter. We will be here for the animals, like generations before us. They will not walk alone. We will not be intimidated. We won't back down.

Comments

Catherine said…
So true about the predictable course for the animal rights advocate. Where is the "kind" in humankind in our treatment of animals? I think of the Romans and their exploits of animals in the Colosseum. Much of the exploitation is now simply behind closed doors, but it is just as pervasive.

Thank you being a much needed voice for the animals.
6:19 AM
Ted Teodoro said…
We chip in in so many different ways. As long as every person does one thing to advance compassion, the environment, and ethical living, we will not be overwhelmed by the destructive forces that usually are born from humankind. Let's continue to be the change that we want to see in our world.
11:05 AM
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