Identify & Get Informed
Are animals, rights-holders? Are animal rights the same or similar to humans rights? Historically, many of the world’s mythical, religious, and cultural traditions regarded animals as divine creatures with an equal or higher moral status to that of humans. For example, the Hindu religion expresses a deep obligation to honour and respect the existence of the “cow” or “cattle,” given their sacred status in the religion. Yet, despite these traditionally symbolic representations of animals as moral creatures, throughout human history people have and continue to perceive non-human animals as subjects to be dominated, owned, or consumed.
Today, some of the controversies surrounding animal rights revolve almost exclusively around the inhumane ways in which humans, in many parts of the world, interact with animals. Examples of this include: Harmful agricultural practices, the over-consumption of meat, the use of animals for experimentation, and the confinement and abuse of animals for entertainment. However, despite these occurrences of negative human-to-animal interactions, the practice of
stewardship whereby human beings acknowledge their duty to live in balance with their animal counterparts, has helped to counteract the many abuses directed towards animals by ensuring their protection and right to co-exist alongside human beings.
The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights” (1978) adopted by UNESCO affirmed the philosophical position that animals should be regarded as members of the same moral community. This declaration helped to reflect the moral and legal standing of animals in terms of their welfare, their interests, status as property, in addition to the responsibilities human beings should have toward all animals.
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Lead & Get Others Involved
Rwandan national Edwin Sabuhoro successfully established a conservation programme that helps turn gorilla poachers into
eco-tourism guides. The establishment of this programme was difficult in that gorillas are considered to be at risk of extinction. One of the primary causes of the gorillas’ extinct status has been linked to the two decade old system of gorilla poaching by trophy hunters and local peoples. This Rwandan conservation program was designed to develop incentives for local people to become involved in the protection of gorilla habitats, and provide the local population with complete ownership of the project. So far, the conservation programme has reduced gorilla poaching by 60% and has allowed the Rwandan village to increase ecotourism by 40%, allowing the locals to generate a sustainable income from it. Edwin’s phenomenal initiative has successfully benefitted animal-to-human interactions in Rwanda, providing tangible benefits for both mountain gorillas and the Rwandan community.
If you have lead others to get involved in making an impact on the issue of animal rights or any other global issue, let the rest of the TakingITGlobal (TIG) community know by writing your own
TIG member's story and inspire others to create change just like you!
Get Connected
Now that you’re inspired to lead others on this global issue check out these web links to learn more about how you can get involved with this issue.
You can support International Animal Rights Day by signing the declaration on Animal Rights.
Volunteer with an organization such as the World Society for the Protection of Animals, that advocates for Animal Rights in your local and international community.
Learn more about international animal stewardship projects.
Plan and Get Moving
So how are you going to share this global issue with others? On the TakingITGlobal (TIG) website you can chose to sign a petition to ban cruel and inhumane practices against animals or you can use TIG action tools to create your own petition or commitment. Or why not start a TIG group or a project dedicated to informing and empowering young people in your community and around the world about animal rights issues. If you’re not sure how to begin initiate a conversation around this issue by connecting with other TIG members on our discussion boards. You can also check out TIG’s Action Guides to learn how to make the action you want to take on this global issue a reality.
While you’re offline, you can write your lawmakers, raise funds, join an animal rights group in your community, or start a public awareness campaign about animal rights.
This is just the beginning, there is a world of opportunities for you to plan and get moving on. So what are you waiting for and get started today!
Have a Lasting Impact
Remember, learning about a new global issue is only the first step to developing the skills you need to have a lasting impact. So let the rest of TIG know what kind of change you want to see with the issue of Animal Rights by joining us in one of our online discussions described below.
Some vegetarians believe that factory farming is a cruel and unnecessary practice and that our diets would be healthier if we ate less meat. Do you agree?
Bullfighting, fox-hunting and whale-hunting are part of some countries’ traditions. Do you think that countries (or individuals) should have a right to continue these traditions?
Should people be as concerned about the welfare of animals as they are of the welfare of impoverished people?
References
Science Daily. “Conservation Program in Rwanda”. Web Address :
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080919075127.htm
Glossary
Eco-tourism = traveling to ecologically rare and/or endangered sites for the sake of exploration and adventure.
Have something more to add to what we’ve discussed above, then check out this global issue’s wiki page to have your say!
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