申辰瑜
Atrocities upon animals have never really been extinguished, and at the same time, the claim for animals rights has also been on the rise. Clearly, this long-lasting debate over what is the proper way to treat animals still remains an unsolved problem and arouses more and more controversies. In china, we can see the intense conflict between dog dealers and dog lovers in dog festival which keep eating dogs as an old tradition. Internationally, Japaneses whalers have become the target of public criticism and irritate many environmentalists and bestiaries all around the world; any abuse toward pets or stray animals would deeply sting our eyes as well as nerves; the time of wearing furs as fashion has passed, at least public show on runway would incur demonstrations against these outrage actions to animals. It seems that more people start to realize the appropriate way to live with other creatures on this planet and gradually give up the old profit-oriented opinions toward them. Civilized as we are, its time to abandon savage practices and be kind to animals.
Animals are flesh and bloods that bear so many resemblances to human beings. Although they dont possess high intelligence, develop advanced language and build splendid civilization, they do have the natural instincts to protect and make sacrifice to their babies, have the ability to take care for their kinds and show gratitude to those helped and even have the precious ability that some humans dont even own: loyalty. According to scientists in at Central Washington University in United States, they found that chimpanzees have many similarities with humans, and they almost experience every emotion humans do. Besides, other creatures like dolphins and gorillas have a lot in common with us than we think. Animals can also feel pain. This is a clear point that doesnt even need scientific research. Thus any unmerciful activities inflict on animals amounts to a lively evil, a perceptible disrespect and defy to lives. If human beings let this kind of viciousness rule their hearts, then what wait for them ahead would be formidable, to themselves and the whole environment. Meanwhile, it also can bring negative effects to children, implanting ruthless seeds in their young hearts.
Animals and humans are the wonderful products of the nature, and together they constitute the biodiversity of this world. They are supposed to live in harmony. At this point, animals may be clearer than human beings. They just enjoy living in their natural habitats until some day people show up, catch some of them, and shut them up in cages for other humans to watch. Whats more, they destroy their living places to build high-rises, highways and, zoos. Animals in the zoo are deprived of their original instincts and wilderness. In a sense, they have no difference from pets just except for their physical appearances. Their existences in cages are just to satisfy visitors curiosity and runners pocket. How tragic! Well, some may say it is only to protect those animals. Well, I agree with them to some extent but with different reasons, and it can be really ironic. Yes, Zoos protect limited numbers of animals, but that is because theyre useful in earning. Numerous other animals are cruelly skinned for furs, killed for meals or merely for souvenirs. And fortunately these are all becoming more and more intolerable in the 21st century.
Animal issue does become a focal point among the world. However, it shouldnt only be a joke or frivolous matter that has been talked often but easily forgotten. It deserves a serious consideration and treatment, not only for these poor creatures sake, but also for ours. It can stands as a hint or warn to the protection of biodiversity and environment, whats more, an eternal remind of our kindness and mercifulness to living creatures, our particular friends.
Works cited
Behind Bars at the Zoo
Do Animals Have Rights?endprint