Animal Cruelty - Research Paper Example

ID: Animal Cruelty This study is centered towards analyzing various aspectsof animal cruelty. Animal cruelty has been chosen as a research issue since it is associated with other forms of crimes occurring across the globe. In every country, animals are striving to live and prevent themselves from any form of harm. Animal cruelty is not considered as a major issue in research field since it is assumed that many charitable organizations take care of animals. In real world scenario, animals are not considered as an integral part of the society. This topic will emphasize on steps undertaken by organizations in order to eliminate cruelty towards animals. The issue is important because it shall highlight historical perspective and global context. There is high scope for this research paper since it is inclined towards an alarming issue. This research topic can be further expanded in context of drawing a relation between animal cruelty and origin of other crimes. The research question for the study is – “why animal cruelty is considered as a global issue and what are its possible solutions?” A. Establish the topic Animal cruelty is a major issue appearing across the globe. Animals are been treated cruelly in many countries. They are beaten, kept in chains, enslaved, etc., and it is basically done for human entertainment. It is an issue since it is directly linked with any purchase behavior exhibited by human beings. Any product purchased by an individual encompasses some form of animal abuse. Animal cruelty is a global issue because overall consumer market demand is directly or indirectly associated with slaughtering of animals. In United States as well as across EU states, animal cruelty percentage has increased in recent years. Figure1 states number of animals which are utilized by European countries for their research and development. Figure 1: Animals used in global context (Source: Linzey 211) Similar trends as shown in figure1, is observed across other regions, making animal cruelty a global issue. The target audience of this research paper is young generation or students of schools and colleges. This topic holds significance for target audience since focus will be on major developments for preventing animal cruelty. Young generation people are considered to be future of any country and they should be the ones to eradicate such ill-treatment from society. Animal abuse cases have increased over the years and hence this research topic is essential in current context. Figure2 denotes number of abuse cases witnessed in Asian countries. Figure 2: Animal abuse cases (Source: Arluke 139) According to figure2, many animal abuse cases have been closed without any such action and this in turn have increased percentage rate of animal cruelty. Hence the current world scenario demands for further research on this particular area (Arluke 145). The increased percentage of animal cruelty cases indicates that there is a need for immediate action. B. Historical context The issue of animal cruelty is linked with ancient times. Dogs were used for sports in 12th century when Britain was invaded by Romans. Dogs were even exploited in order to fight against animals like bulls and wild boar. American history is closely knitted with aspect of cockfighting. Animal cruelty can be denoted as one kind of animal cruelty. Farm animals were greatly abused in factories in 19th century. Human consumption increased and this led to prolonged animal abuse. Increase in population has disrupted the natural habitat of animals. Passive cruelty is often termed as avoidance of animal’s welfare. The lack of action results into animal cruelty which is increasing at a rapid rate across the globe (Flynn 95). It mainly comprises of parasite infestations, starvation, inadequate shelter, dehydration, etc. In factory farms, thousands of animals are being treated simultaneously so as to supply meat, milk, eggs, etc. Animal cruelty had secured high percentage even in Great Britain during 19th century. This region exploited animals for addressing consumer market demand, for entertainment purpose, etc. However in recent scenario there have been many animal welfare organizations emerging which are inclined towards effectively handling animal cruelty. There are many non-profit organizations that work for this issue of animal cruelty. ASPCA or American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is one such organization that aims at eliminating ill-treatment of animals. This organization has been performing widespread operations since 142 years. National or regional programs are organized by this charitable organization so as to ensure safety or protection of animals from any form of cruelty (Ascione 334). One of the largest non-profit organizations formed to deal with various aspects of animal cruelty is PETA or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. This animal right organization is focused on fighting cruelty towards animals due to large industries, fur industry, animals being adopted for entertainment purpose, factor farming, research and development activities, etc. C. Global Context Animal cruelty is spread across the globe but there are some specific countries that encompass highest cruelty or ill-treatment cases. Netherlands accounts for large number of cases where animals are slaughtered. Live animal’s trading is a common concept in Netherlands like swans, horses, dogs, etc. Other forms of cruelty prevalent in this region are butchering dogs and baby chicks being disposed. Greece is also known for various activities which adversely affects likelihood of animals. The country is famous for slaughtering turtles, poisoning dogs or cats, and even killing of wolves. This region comprises of ‘barbaric humans’ who do not show any respect or love for animals. History of Greece denotes that citizens of this region are witnessed to keep dogs within chains, giving poison to animals, etc. Romania has some cases where animals are utilized as an earning medium. Animal abuse in this region is in form of skinning them, animal beheading, etc. Bulgaria has no limit for any kind of animal torture. Locals of Bulgaria poison cats and dogs, and even hang them on bridges. Venezuela has many such incidents where animals are ill-treated and this includes abuse against wild beast, lions, etc (Gullone 156). The residents of this region are well-known across the globe for slaughtering, whipping and even chasing animals. Animal abuse in Egypt is not just done by adults but even by youngsters, and this eventually requires effective measures to be incorporated. Spanish people are highly responsible for killing of animals residing in forests so that they are able to eat it, bulls or calves are even used for entertainment activities leading to ill-treatment and poor animals like pigs, dogs or kittens are even mercilessly slaughtered. China is also known for exhibiting animal cruelty through skinning of furry animals and live foxes. Chinese people are even seen to remove internal organs from fish while keeping them alive. On the other hand, physical torture and animal abuse is a common aspect within Japanese people. There are some non-profit organizations which are framed in certain countries in order to tackle animal cruelty and adopt effective measures (Tags). Animals being used for entertainment purposes, animal skinning, animal testing, etc., are common techniques of performing animal cruelty. There are four organizations been established that adopts all possible measures to prevent animal cruelty. PETA is the biggest animal right organization and is highly focused on clothing trade, entertainment industry, and factory farms. HSUS or Humane Society of United States is another established firm that aims towards animal protection. Canada encompasses a renowned non-profit organization for prevention of animal cruelty known as SPCA or Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These organizations though located in one specific region operate for cruelty cases been witnessed in other regions (PETA). For instance HSUS and PETA undertakes action plan to reduce percentage of animal cruelty cases by framing strict regulations for those who exploit animals. D. Why we need to act now There are many animals or species that now belongs to endangered category. It is a threat to all regions across the globe. The growing percentage of animal cruelty tends to lower down survival rate of animals. Figure3 elaborates the increasing rate of endangered species. Figure 3: Global threat of species (Source: Merz-Perez and Heide 116) As per figure3, apart from plants there are specific categories of animals which are endangered. These animals can only be safeguarded through adopting significant measures which can protect animals. On the contrary, if measures are not undertaken then animals will be continued to get exploited. The increasing rate of animal cruelty will tend to disrupt habitat of animals (Merz-Perez and Heide 117). These species being endangered is not a good indication since it would affect ecological balance of the world. There are individuals who are still not aware about impacts of animal cruelty. It is essential to convey negative impacts of these activities. This would help in reducing percentage of animals which belongs to endangered species category. E. Possible solutions Possible solutions should be framed at multiple levels. Firstly at personal level, one needs to be more cautious regarding their actions towards animals. An individual should not cause any form of harm towards animals only for personal benefit. Governmental action is equally important in this context. This is because laws should be imposed to control rate of cruelty towards animals. International agreements also play a critical role since it is linked with protecting animals and eliminating any form of animal trade. Countries should work in collaboration in order to eliminate this issue from its grass root level. These agreements are also aligned with policies framed by non-profit organizations. Developed world tends to be more inclined towards adopting proactive measures but it is a major challenge for developing nations. To certain extent, it is responsibility of developed world to help developing countries in terms of providing a knowledge base, skills, etc., to deal with such alarming issues. Developing countries can gain knowledge from developed countries regarding adverse impacts associated with such cruelty. F. The issue as it relates to Bahrain Animal cruelty is a critical issue in modern world because there is large number of animals being slaughtered per day. The rising concern towards animals has been established by non-profit organizations. It is a global issue because many countries are witnessing animal cruelty. In this particular study there are different measures been highlighted which are adopted by charitable firms in order to safeguard animals. The study clearly portrays the negative consequences associated with increased rate of animal cruelty. All these facts or figures can be applied on Bahrain. This region is also known for its animal cruelty cases. There are incidents of Bahrain where dogs, cats, cattle, etc., are beaten to death or are slaughtered. On the other hand, Bahrain is also known for trading in animals. The region eventually contributes towards growth percentage of animal cruelty. Animal cruelty in Bahrain is in growth stage and it needs to be eradicated before the list of endangered species increases. Preventive measures in terms of animal protection rights should be incorporated in the region. Works Cited Merz-Perez, Linda, and Kathleen, Heide. Animal cruelty: pathway to violence against people. Oxford: Rowman Altamira. 2004. Print. Arluke, Arnold. Just a dog: understanding animal cruelty and ourselves. USA: Temple University Press. 2006. Print. Linzey, Andrew. The link between animal abuse and human violence. USA: Sussex Academic Press. 2009. Print. Ascione, Frank. The international handbook of animal abuse and cruelty: theory, research, and application. USA: Purdue University Press. 2010. Print. Flynn, Clifton. Understanding animal abuse: a sociological analysis. New York: Lantern Books. 2012. Print. Gullone, Eleonora. Animal cruelty, antisocial behavior, and aggression: more than a link. UK: Palgrave Macmillan. 2012. Print. Tags, Kai. Animals. Random Story. 2013. Web. 17 March 2015. . PETA. The Issues. 2015. Web. 17 March 2015. . Read More