Rights Vs. Welfare

For the most part, when people think of Animal Rights advocates, they think of gung-ho PETA fans, throwing paint on women with fur coats and boycotting meat. What people don't usually think about are the animal welfarists. These people believe that animals should still be used to benefit human-kind, but in the most humane way possible.

Animal welfarists believe that humans have an understood dominance over animals because we are more advanced and most animals don't actually know their purpose in the world. That is why animals are used to test cosmetic and household products to ensure human safety, and to look for new cures or treatments for diseases. However, animal welfare also means that animals can be slaughtered for fur coats, as long as it is done in the most humane way possible. Most animals rights activists believe that no human goes through life absolutely NEEDING a fur coat, and that it is unnecessary cruelty to animals.

Which side do you choose?

Horse Slaughter

Recently, in the process of Junior Theme, I had been researching dozens of articles based on cruelty to animals. One of the many articles I read that I did not include in my paper involved the abolishment of horse slaughter. The article stated that this industry slaughtered as many as 100,000 horses every year for the use of human-used products, and was effectively shut down through congressional action in 2007. What's interesting is, people want to bring it back. Why, you may ask? It is such a terrible and inhumane process, yet it provides thousands of jobs across the country, and prevents an even worse fate: being sold for $10-20 and crammed into trailers to be slaughtered in Mexico. In 2008, after the American Industry shut down, 57,017 horses met this end. Old or temperamental horses who their owners no longer have use for, or can afford, are usually sent to Mexico or abandoned. Some say slaughterhouses may be the best way to go.

If the thought of this repulses you, you're not alone. Though there are few alternatives now, there are also some in the making. Angry animal rights groups, proud horse owners, and veterinarians suggest the hay that horse owners use to feed their pets be free for anyone struggling economically, and anyone interested in buying a horse must pay an up-front fee to cover euthanasia costs in case it is needed. Which option sounds more realistic to you?