International Animal Rights Day: Its cool to be compassionate to all living beings

Throughout history, it has been witnessed that human beings have ruled the world. And in order to do so, they have built rules for how our society should work and dominated over all other animals as a sign of their power. Our actions have often been cruel, even indifferent to the cries of the voiceless.

While kindness is essential for a world that thrives, not all of us have the same degree of compassion towards animals. But history shows how humans have done more harm than can be imagined; animals have been recklessly tamed, their habitats have been encroached upon and the landscapes they call home have been selfishly altered.

With steady disruption of the natural order and merciless altering of spaces that once teemed with life, we now watch as forests yield to concrete jungles and pristine habitats get marred by blatant disregard. However, one truth endures, that Mother Earth belongs not solely to humanity but to all beings that inhabit it. It’s a collective inheritance shared by creatures, each with a right to coexist and flourish.

International Animal Rights Day, observed on December 10th, holds great significance as it serves as a global reminder to advocate for the rights and welfare of animals. It aims to raise awareness about animal rights issues, promote compassion towards animals and highlight the need for their protection from cruelty and exploitation.

On this special day, let us learn more about animal rights education, the key reasons why practising compassion towards animals is crucial and how we can contribute in our own small yet solid way.

Empathy towards all creatures

Being compassionate towards animals starts with understanding that they can feel emotions just like we do. They can feel happy, sad, scared and hurt. Just observe a pet dog or cat at a friend’s home for a few hours and you’ll know they are exactly like us.

It is essential to understand that animals go through life in a similar manner to humans. We must recognise that, like us, they too deserve to live without hurt or suffering. So on this special day, we can start by discussing animal rights on our social media accounts, teach others about it in schools or have conversations with our friends and family to help them understand why it’s important to treat animals with kindness.

Respect for life in all forms

As beings who have a mind and heart as evolved as ours, it is important to value life in every form, no matter how big or small or what species it belongs to. In fact, treating every living being equally is a tenet in most life philosophies.

As we grow up, it becomes our duty to be increasingly aware of our responsibilities towards the voiceless, and to know that every creature deserves care and consideration. We can act on this awareness by offering our time at nearby animal shelters, by lending support to organisations that rescue animals or by joining events that raise money to provide medical help and safe shelter to animals that require assistance.

Protection against cruelty

Sadly, too many animals experience mistreatment, exploitation and cruelty in the hands of humans around the world. On International Animal Rights Day, we can stand up against these wrongs. One way to do so is by pushing for stronger laws that protect animals. Signing petitions that support animal rights or joining peaceful protests can make our collective voice stronger in fighting against these injustices. It’s a firm way to show that we won’t accept cruelty of any form towards animals.

Promotion of ethical choices

It may seem like a distant thought but our daily choices significantly impact animal welfare. On this special day dedicated to animals, we can take our first step towards making more ethical choices, such as adopting a plant-based diet or purchasing products from companies that prioritise animal welfare. Educating ourselves about ethical consumerism and supporting cruelty-free brands can further create a positive impact on animals and their habitats.

December 10th or what is International Animal Rights Day the world over serves as a strong reminder of our duty to treat all beings with kindness and respect. It’s a day to advocate, educate and take meaningful actions that contribute to a world where animals live free from suffering.