Concept in Definition ABC

Research on animal behavior has shown that animals have emotions similar to humans. From a legal point of view, animals are considered to have certain rights that must be respected. An increasing number of people have decided not to eat meat, because in this way they express their I respect towards animals.

Certain animal shows are being harshly criticized and are considered violent and bloody. The examples mentioned remind us that in recent years humanity as a whole has changed its mentality in relation to the animal kingdom.

It is in this context that entities such as PETA have emerged, whose initials precisely mean People for Treatment Animal Ethics, assuming endless challenges in a society that needs to change in order to grow and evolve.

A non-profit organization that fights for the welfare of animals

PETA emerged in 1980 and the central axis of its activity is to defend the rights of animals. Its headquarters are located in the city of Norfolk in the state of Virginia, specifically on the east coast.

The activities promoted by PETA collaborators and activists have a vindictive character. In this sense, all kinds of abuses are reported: experimentation with animals, recreational use of species to satisfy human leisure, the use of fur garments, the fights between animals, the excessive consumption of meat, intensive animal husbandry on farms and, ultimately, any conduct human that degrades animals.

PETA's activism

The activists of this organization are forceful and energetic in their fight for animal rights. They consider that the consumption of meat is associated with an unjustified slaughter. They understand that slaughterhouses are sinister places where heinous crimes are carried out.

For PETA activists, whaling, bullfighting or cockfighting are immoral activities that should be prohibited. As is logical, its members and supporters believe that human beings do not behave ethically with animals and for this reason a change of mentality is necessary in the whole of humanity.

Do animals have rights?

Who share the thesis defended by PETA consider that animals have rights and these must be respected. However, there are contrary opinions according to which there can be no rights for animals because everything right implies a obligation And, logically, this criterion can only be applied to human beings. On the other hand, if an animal cannot differentiate between good and evil, there is no point in claiming that animals have rights.

To the margin of debate ethical and legal on this matter, it is worth remembering that December 10 is International Animal Rights Day.

Photos: Fotolia - Simonele / Spirit