We have a moral obligation to treat animals humanely

EDITOR: We all know what slavery is: living beings held in servitude – considered property – to be chained, beaten, starved, tortured, used and abused any way the master chooses. Why did this barbaric and immoral practice flourish for thousands of years? Because governments, theologians and philosophers said it was okay and people believed them.

Anyone conquered or in debt, or of a different colour, religion, nationality, gender, physique or mental capability – all were targets to be enslaved by, “… the better…the more powerful…the superior” (Plato, 4th century BC), who added, “Nature herself intimates that it is just…”.

Along with countless other men of influence, St Thomas Aquinas (13th century) justified slavery by proclaiming it to be “natural, necessary and expedient”. In 1807, the King of Bonny in Africa thought the slave trade must continue because: “This is the verdict of our oracle and the priests…a trade ordained by God himself”. It’s no wonder that at the beginning of the 19th century an estimated three-quarters of the world’s population were living in bondage against their will, either in some form of slavery or serfdom.

It was a slow process, but slavery is now illegal everywhere in the world. It still exists under names like human trafficking and bonded labour, but humanity finally understands the absolute cruelty and indecency of slavery. So, why are animals treated in a similar manner? Because throughout history governments, theologians and philosophers said it was okay and people believed them!

Yes, animals are different; but this is the 21st century. Scientists have proved that a wide range of species can reason, learn, feel pain, have emotions, make associations, communicate, remember, and on and on.

Additionally, our genomes (genes, DNA) are similar to theirs: 90 per cent the same as cats; 82 per cent with dogs; 80 per cent with cows; 60 per cent with chickens… We’re all made of the same stuff by the same Creator.

Is it blasphemy to compare animals to people, or is it inevitable that, like slavery, societies will eventually treat animals with compassion and respect? As the leader of 1.27 billion Catholics, Pope Francis wrote in an official and binding document: “Nowadays we must forcefully reject the notion that our being created in God’s image and given dominion over the earth justifies absolute dominion over other creatures… Our ‘dominion’ should be understood more properly in the sense of responsible stewardship”.

Only 38 countries, including SVG, have laws against animal cruelty. It’s a start, but still our animals are brutally abused. Let’s pray it doesn’t take centuries for our nation and the world to realize that people have a moral obligation to treat our smaller brethren humanely.

Board of Directors

VSPCA