As a pet owner, we have come to terms with the fact that these furballs we give our time and hearts to have become a vital part of our family. So for us, we acknowledge the fact that these animals have rights.
I mean after being with our beloved pets, we understand that these are sentient beings. They are able to perceive, feel and are also sensitive to pain. They may not communicate the same way we do, but the way my dog communicates his love for me is evident in the way he wags his tail excitedly whenever he sees me. The way he shares my sadness which I can see clearly in his eyes shows that they are also capable of love and emotion.
What is Animal Rights?
Animal Rights is a philosophy, a moral way of valuing the principle that these sentient beings have the right to life, free from the inflicting of pain or suffering from us humans. Animal Rights advocates usually aim to eradicate or at least to regulate the mistreatment of animals used in laboratories, for scientific tests. Others focus on the maltreatment of wild animals like castrations, mutilations of body parts usually without the use of anesthetics thereby inflicting pain.
The discussion of Animal Rights is a lengthy process. Sadly not all countries have laws that protect them. Basic Animal Rights is centered on the protection of animals by protecting their habitat, protection from exploitation be it for food, for research or experimentation purposes or from cruelty as pets.
Examples of Animal Rights Laws
In the US, they have the Animal Welfare Act which deals with basic animal welfare. Although the scope is not as extensive… the law does establish some basic guidelines for the sale, transport, and handling of dogs, cats, rabbits, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, and hamsters. It also protects the psychological welfare of animals who are used in lab experiments, and prohibits the violent practices of dogfighting and cockfighting.
Very recently, the UK introduced their UK Sentience Bill, recognizing that animals are indeed sentient beings capable of feeling pain and being hurt. The bill if approved, will acknowledge that animals have the right to be treated as humanely as possible, although it does not include the right of animals to autonomy.
Animal Rights in the Philippines
In our country, there are two laws passed pertaining to Animal Rights. Republic Act No. 8485 (RA 8485) which is an act to promote animal welfare in the Philippines, otherwise known as “The Animal Welfare Act of 1998” and Republic Act No. 10631 which is an act amending certain sections of RA 8485. RA 8485 Section 6 states that it shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare. And will be punishable by law and will pay the price for torturing or maltreating any form of animals.
Whether these laws exist or not, it is a common knowledge especially to us pet owners, that these beings have the ability to feel pain and to even feel emotions. Their ability to communicate with us in a way that makes us know that they are happy or sad is one sign of knowing that God made them not for us to mistreat. So whether we are governed by these laws, it is up to us to respect the rights of animals to be treated properly. Not mutilated for their body parts such as elephant horns for ivory, or to violate their natural homes and habitats using progress as an excuse to build more housing or for business. We may not do much as an individual pet owner, but we can start showing respect for animals, by treating our pets with care since we took responsibility for them. Trust me, the love that they will shower upon you in return will be worth it in the end.
Ettenyl Writes 