“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. – Mahatma Ghandi
International Animal Rights Day is commemorated on December 10 to raise awareness about animal care and to reflect on the rights of these living beings, including life and liberty.
Universal Declaration of Animal Rights
The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights was proclaimed on October 15, 1978. However, much work remains to be done for this declaration to be accepted globally.
The 14 articles that make up this Universal Declaration can be summarized in four basic rights: the right to life, freedom, not to be subjected to situations that cause them pain and not to be considered property.
However, these rights are violated every day worldwide. Animals are considered as a mere resource at the service of human beings, which is fueled by the consumerism of contemporary society.
There are more ethical alternatives to satisfy the food, clothing, health, hygiene and even leisure needs of human beings. Therefore, it is necessary to generate a change to ensure that animal rights are respected.
How can we stand up for animal rights?
There are some concrete actions that each person can take to help promote animal welfare:
- Reduce meat consumption.
- Avoid consuming eggs from farms where animals are overcrowded and in poor conditions.
- Avoid wearing animal-derived fur garments.
- Avoid using cosmetics and make-up products that do not respect animal welfare.
- Not to attend shows that practice cruelty to animals.
- To fight against the abandonment of pets.
- Do not buy animals in stores, but opt for adoption.
In the case of companion animals or pets, there are laws that benefit them, requiring humans to provide them with care, comfort, health services and food. At the same time, there are regulations that indicate which animals are suitable for domestication and which should be preserved in the wild, respecting their environment and not be considered pets.
Sustainable Development Goals for animal welfare
The United Nations also takes animal protection into account. Specifically, in number 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, the UN commits to the following actions:
- Protect endangered species
- End poaching
- Put an end to the trafficking of protected species.
On this International Animal Rights Day, let us raise our voices for those living beings that cannot speak, but inhabit the planet alongside humans and deserve to live in peace and harmony.
