Animal Ethics: Laws and Regulations in the United States - Research Paper Example

 Animal Research: Laws and Regulations in the United States ABSTRACT This paper is focused on the importance of laws and regulations that aims to protect farm and forest animals particularly in the United States. There has been alarming news about the loss of animals thru improper management, cruelty to animals, diseases and disasters. Laws and regulations have been imposed for three decades already, yet rampant disobediences are observed. This observation made me to be interested in laws that cover protection to these animals. It is noted that there are thousands of animals on the earth that could not be covered by the study, so I have limited it to laws covering farm animals and endangered species in the wild. Farm animals are important to livelihood and food, so safety is for the common good, while animals in the wild checks ecological balance. A review of laws passed by the U.S. Congress , cases filed by organizations and resolutions drafted for the purpose will be viewed and presented. Research hopes to contribute to the effort in aid of legislations. Animal Research: Laws and Regulations in the United States Introduction Animals have been people’s best friends, sources of food, and a valuable tool for production. In many ways, it is used for transportation, farm help, sports, and in many other ways. It perfects the balance of ecology in our environment. However, despite its many favourable uses to man, animals are often subjected to wanton abuses and indiscriminate slaughters, so much so, that some species are now endangered and existence are becoming rare. If proper care for these animals are not observed, the loss of them is unimaginable that might result to food scarcity, hunger, poverty and ecological imbalance. Laws and regulations are one of man’s securities that this scenario will not happen. But what if there are loopholes in these safeguards? Statement of the problem . The problem of animal welfare has been a long issue for the government, the United States in particular. The need for its protection should be one of its functions. Are there enough laws that guaranty security of these animals? Purpose of the study is to find out actions taken by the government in form of laws and regulations and in order to identify if it there is a need for amendments for further protection. Research Questions: What are the current laws imposed by the government specific for animal welfare? What is the History of these laws? Hypothesis: The current laws are not sufficient to protect animals and there is a need for this to be amended. Theoretical framework: The study will be divided into protection for farm animals and forest animals. Conservation laws that maintain its sustainability will be presented. I will provide discussions on the development of these laws, discuss some reasons why it is important and describe how understanding these concerns can be useful in designing regulations for sustainable development of animals. Literature review Protection of animals in the United States started in l966 with the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act. It was subsequently amended in years 1970, 1976, 1985, 2002, 2007 and 2008.(USDA Nat. Agric. Library n.d.) The 1970 amendment regulates the transportation, purchase, sale, housing, care, handling, and treatment of such animals by persons or organizations engaged in using them for research or experimental purposes or for exhibition purposes or holding them for sale as pets or in transporting, buying, or selling them for any such purpose or use." The 2007 amendment prohibits animal fighting. However, in violation of this law, PETA reports underground dog fighting. PETA means “People for the treatment of animals”. Other sports games are legalized such as horse racing and greyhound dog racings. Protection of animals has also been the advocacy of several animal-rights organizations. For instance, the Animal Legal Defense Fund founded in 1979 by attorneys. This organization has been active in “shaping the fields of animal law”. Mission is to work for stronger implementation of “anti-cruelty law and more humane treatment in every corner of American life.” One of its laudable efforts is to push the legal system to end the suffering of abused members. This organization is reportedly supported by thousands of dedicated attorneys and a hundred thousand supporters. (ALDF n.d..) Definition of terms. Animal welfare has been defined by the International Federation for Animal Health (IFAH) as “healthy, well-nourished, animals living free of pain, suffering, or distress.” Another definition offered by the Veterinary Medical Asociation is “Animal welfare is the desire to prevent unnecessary animal animal suffering (that is, whilst not categorically opposed to the use of animals, wanting to ensure a good quality of life). (World Animal Net,n.d.) The animal health industry works with many stakeholders to promote high quality controls for animal welfare. Methodology A qualitative research will be done thru published information of government sources and known organizations. Animals are categorized into Farm animals and endangered species and laws attributable to them will be identified, or otherwise, the lack of it. Significance of the study. Research findings hopes to be an aid to legislations for further protection of farm animals and endangered species of animals. Bibliography ALDF.. Winning the case against cruelty. Animal Legal Defense Fund http://aldf.org/about-us/ PETA. http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/cruel-sports/dogfighting/ USDA National Agricultural Library. Animal Welfare Act. http://awic.nal.usda.gov/government-and-professional-resources/federal-laws/animal-welfare-act IFAH. “Animal Welfare, What does it mean.” International Federation for Animal Health http://www.ifahsec.org/our-industry/animal-welfare-what-does-it-mean/ World Animal Net. “What is Animal Welfare?” http://www.worldanimal.net/documents/1_Animal_Welfare.pdf Read More