Since the years of B.C., animals were an exponential part of mankind. In Prehistoric times,  animals were not only viewed as a source of food, and clothing but also as gods and spirits. Early cave paintings found in France portray animals as important beings. Many believe that the belief in Reincarnation began around this time. Sacrifices of animals were thought to make the gods pleased.
But if this is how we started out, then why do we have the problems we have today such as animal abuse, animal testing, and factory misuse of animals? Why are our once gods, now treated like mere peasants?
Animal testing
In present-day medicine, it is very uncommon to find a surgery, medical procedure, or medication that did not originate in animal testing labs. To think that anyone who has had open-heart surgery, would not have that option had a scientist not first attempted the surgery on a pig!
Even medical discoveries on current issues are found due to testing on animals. In order to study birth defects in babies, scientists cut a square into an adult cat’s skull, and stem a microchip into their brain, which sends electric shocks throughout the cat’s body. To study the effects of cigarette smoke on the human body, scientists take rabbits and attach masks that cover their mouths and noses to their faces. They then stick cigarettes into the small holes on the front of the masks, and light them. Of course, the rabbits unfortunately die after not even a day of the study. Many against these cruelties wonder how these tests solve anything.
Many scientists argue that their testing subjects go through no pain, nor know what is going on around them. In many pictures taken in the testing  environments, the animals left in cages, waiting their turn as the “guinea pig”, appear frightened, and some even fight for their lives. The word “Inhumane” then comes into play.
Inhumane by definition is “lacking compassion and causing excessive suffering.” Seeing others of their own kind, going under the knife, sick, and crying out for help; is it not inhumane? Thousands of average people are put away for not feeding their animals, or leaving them in unlivable circumstances, because it is viewed as inhumane. However, there are also thousands of scientists that everyday kill, mutilate, and biologically rearrange animals’ minds, bodies, and lives. Yet, they get away with it.
It is sad how quick the humans of today throw animals “under the train” just to save themselves.
Animal Cruelty
Animal cruelty is one of the most common documented acts against animals to this day. Owners, leaving their dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and reptiles, etc. in disgusting conditions, and inducing starvation.
If we haven’t figured it out yet, animals left inside any residence cannot feed themselves. It is like leaving humans in a cage, they do not have the ability to roam and find food for themselves. Any self-respecting pet owner I have known has at least said “I never eat until my animals are fed” at least once. If we can remember to feed ourselves, then why can’t we remember to feed our companions? The ones who lick us when we are crying, keep us warm on cold winter nights, and who make us laugh when we are bored.
Unsuitable living conditions also effect an animal. Living in a dirty area, increases an animals chances of getting sick, growing rabid or feral, and  dying. These cases are found mostly in large cities. Without the proper space, care, and attention animals can be a big problem.
Another issue that is classified as cruelty, is simply aborting the problem. Many owners soon realize that a pet is not for them. So what do they do? Many put their pets in a box, and leave them on the sides of nearly abandoned roads (this is most common in cats/kittens). Others either drown their pets, or leave them in unsuitable shelters.
No matter how you cut it, animals are like children, why don’t we treat them like they are?
Factory misuse of animals
Until recently, factories that used animals as their main capital only had to worry about what grade of meat they were producing. Now, they have another nightmare.
Organizations such as PETA, the ASPCA, and governmental departments such as The Department of Agriculture, are cracking down on meat factories. However, they first need proof to stand on that the four-legged residents of the factory are being mistreated.
In a recent documentary titled “Death on a Factory Farm”, a young man goes undercover as an employee to a hog farm in Creston, OH. His soul purpose was to catch abuse to the animals on tape.  He accomplished his goal, and the owner and other workers were either given prison sentences, or fined. The abuse caught on tape ranged from cracking piglets’ heads off of walls, railings, etc. to kill them, to hanging Sals’ from fork-lifts with chains around their necks to kill them as well.
Out of the tens of thousands of animals used every year for use of consumption, many are still secretly abused.
With all of this heartbreaking activity, there are even more people willing to help the fight for animals. If anyone is interested in helping, volunteer at a local animal shelter, or even donate to any of the organizations against animal cruelty. Are you willing to join the fight?
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