PETA: Actions Justified?

Recently in my Pre-Vet class we debated on animal cruelty and animal rights. Half the class was assigned to the point of view of PETA. The other half (my side) was given the point of view of researchers and scientists. This was very hard for me because of how against animal cruelty and for animal rights I am, but I managed, and my side actually won the debate. In the process the debate gave me an idea. I compared my opinion of what is right on the topic of abuse with PETA’s opinion to see how alike I am to their way of thinking.

Like myself, PETA believes in an abuse-free life for animals, big and small and works to make it happen. PETA is against every type of abuse and most infractions fall into that category as it seems. Along with abuse by owner or neglect PETA considers everything from animal testing, to wearing animals and research to be abuse.

I have worked with an animal rescue and at shelters, so I have seen many cases of abuse and neglect that end happily. Not all have a happy ending, especially when they aren’t saved in time though. I have seen animals come in that are so afraid they can starve themselves or cringe at the sight of a hand reaching out to touch them. It is heart wrenching to witness this because I know it is not common practice for them but because of their living conditions they have learned to fear humans instead of befriend them. I have seen others who come in so emaciated I could wrap my hands around their waists and touch my fingers together still. Others come in so matted or filthy with blood, dirt, ticks and their own filth that they must be shaved to even get brushed or cleaned properly. I have had to teach dogs that their food will not be withheld or show others to share because there is plenty for them. And sadly I have had more dogs then I would like (though I never like it) come to me with a ring around their neck where fur is meant to be but due to being tied up so much it has been ripped away and replaced with open wounds never able to heal and raw skin always being chaffed. Most dogs can’t wear a collar for some time because of the pain it causes them due to being tied up and trying to get away.

Though I think PETA may take it a bit far sometimes, I believe in their mission. Animals should not be worn for fashion or tested for make-up or shampoo. Just as we have rights that we are all to live by so must the animals we all take for granted. If we must not harm one another and we get in trouble for doing any harm then why is it acceptable to test a potentially harmful substance on an animal? If we were covered in beautiful fur or tasted great we still wouldn’t be killed, skinned, or eaten, so why can we justify doing so to an animal? We don’t kill others to test or dissect so why animals?

PETA breaks into labs, sets free animals, petitions animal rights and stands outside protesting everything from testing to the wearing of fur or court cases of abusers. Though I wouldn’t go as far as they do I do believe in some of what they preach. Animals have allowed us to discover beneficial cures that have allowed us to save thousands of humans and animals, especially if the animal is already deceased many times just the body can help science. Because of the few we sacrifice in those cases, it may be justified. To have an animal live its life being prodded and in a 2x2’cage is not.

Too many people do not treat animals as they should be treated and because of this we lose way too many animals each year and more and more animals are added to the endangered list each year. A pet is a privilege not a right but animal rights are a right not a privilege. They have a right to live free of harm and free of the fear that we instill in them.

PETA believes in an animal’s right to live and I do as well. Without being abused because some woman wants a mink coat or a name brand needs to see that the new eye shadow won’t cause blindness. The care of animals in these facilities is not what it could be in the wild or a loving home. Therefore I must agree with PETA that we need to stand up and do something to stop this injustice.