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Please see below for some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q1. What is animal cruelty or abuse?
Animal cruelty is when someone directly or indirectly inflicts pain, distress, or suffering to another living being, intentionally or otherwise.
Some possible causes of abuse and cruelty to animals are :
1. What we eat
2. What we wear
3. The pets we keep.
Exploiting animals for their body parts, for unnecessary luxuries, and for pleasure; are considered to be forms of animal abuse. In my humble opinion everything and anything, when taken to wasteful excesses or mindless extremities, will sooner rather than later transform into a form of abuse. If there is even the smallest doubt in your mind that a certain product could only be made possible by exploiting some animals, and you can live without it, I strongly suggest that you do not need it or want it to be a part of your life. If we continue to contribute to the demand for such pleasures, then there will always be someone out there excited to supply and profit from it.
Q2. I want to help stop animal abuse and cruelty to animals, but I am not vegetarian as meat has been a part of my diet throughout my life, what should I do? Aren't human omnivores?
Well, I have asked myself this very said question so many times that I have lost count!
True, if all human beings were vegetarians, the world would be a better place, especially for the animals! But while I admire those who are strong enough to become a vegan, I also believe in balance, harmony with nature, and self-moderation.
If you want to, and have the determination and will to be a vegetarian, I applaud you! But this does not mean that you cannot play a part in preventing cruelty and animal abuse even if you are not a vegetarian! There are numerous animal lovers and activists who are not, or not yet, vegetarian, but they are undoubtedly taking action in helping to stop animal abuse.
Different podiums will give you various views on whether humans are carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores by nature or by design. My opinion leads me to believe that humans are closer to being natural herbivores anatomically (to see why read this ), as on our own, we are not capable of outrunning most wild animals, are not stealthy enough to surprise and catch them, and we are not physically strong enough or equipped with natural weapons such as huge jaws or sharp claws to overpower these wild animals. We are also opportunists and survivors who are capable and highly intelligent to set traps and fashion weapons that can capture and hunt animals for domestication and food. Some people are of the view that having mainly a herbivorous diet is closer and more natural to what our body was designed for and is much more healthy!
Q3. I would like to start immediately to help prevent and stop animal abuse and cruelty to animals. What should I do?
I am pleased to inform you that the moment you have this desire , you have already taken the first step. You have decided to start the change from yourself. Initial steps you can take to make a difference :
i. Stop buying products manufactured from parts of animals, especially ornamental and extravagant things like fur coats, animal skin carpets, ivory ornaments, etc.
ii. Stop eating 'Exotic' and Cruel Cuisines. Sharks Fin, Dog meat, Veal, Drunken Prawns, Lobsters boiled alive ...
iii. Stop buying pets on impulse. Understand your ability to undertake a long term commitment of having a pet. If you decided to have a pet, don't buy, adopt instead.
iv. If you have a pet, make sure they are given regular medical check-ups and proper nutrition. Neglect is one of the most common forms of cruelty.
v. Stop buying products from companies that support animal experimentation and laboratory testing. Many cosmetics and household products are highly guilty of being a part of this.
vi. Stop eating meat that originated from factory farming. Animals that come from factory farms undergo extreme pain and suffering throughout their short life-time before dying a painful death.
vii. You can help spread the awareness by taking a stand and telling your friends and family about it. Find out from your local animal welfare groups on what you can do to contribute.
Q4. I am just one individual. How can I change anything? What can I do to make any difference?
Yes, You Can. I Can. We All Can!
One can never stress this enough. Even if you can change just ONE person, change ONE life, or save just ONE life. You already have made a huge difference. It all starts with you. And that ONE life is YOU. If you tell yourself that "this is wrong, it has to stop, and I want to do something about it....", congratulations !!.......you have started this CHANGE... and you WILL make a difference, sooner than you think. It can begin with simple decisions like stop buying fur and animal hide products. Stop eating cruel cuisines, etc. The list goes on. And as friends and family notice the change and ask you about it, that is your chance to talk about it and educate them about how animals are exploited. Really, it is that simple.
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