pg. 3--Perspective: The Animal Rights Movement
by Brenda Shoss
To subscribe to Kinship Circle Letters for Animals, email: subscribe@kinshipcircle.org

We presume that some animals are companions; others are for food, science or clothing. When society catalogs living beings, it discards their suffering. All animals have central nervous systems. All feel pain and know fear. Imagine, George Bernard Shaw wrote, "if a group of beings from another planet were to land on Earth-beings who considered themselves as superior to you-would you concede them the right over you, that you assume over animals?" Probably not.

We live in a world where deer decorate walls, boys beat puppies, slaughterhouse workers mutilate conscious cows, and circus trainers batter wild animals. Some say it's overwhelming. Why bother? Years ago I looked into the eyes of an animal and discovered the place in myself that yearns for comfort, a warm touch, a familiar dwelling. I uncovered a mutual fear of violence and confinement. I found hope in stories of animal bravery and unconditional love.

The AR movement has gained enough momentum to invite outspoken antagonists like Epstein, Brook, and others. Though absolution for animals may not occur in this lifetime, I am proud to be among the pioneers who fight for an animal's right to live uncaged.

END

About Kinship Circle | Mission | Donate | Kinship Circle Store | Animal Rights Ad Designs
Letter Library | Fact Sheets | Email List | Columns & Articles | Disaster Victims | Links | Home