The Normalisation of Cruelty Towards Animals

The Normalisation of Cruelty
Towards Animals

In today's world, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there exists a silent, and quite frankly, very sad normalization of cruelty towards animals. Take a look around you, you will almost never be far from a dead, or exploited animal in some shape or form. We explore how this cruelty came to be, it's impact, and ways to help reduce and address it.

27/03/2024 . 3 min read

Humans and animals have been living side by side for a very, very long time. In fact, since the formation of the first human socities animals have often been used for labor, food and entertainment. Well..perhaps this was necessary back then, in the dog-eat-dog world, if you'll pardon the expression, in which humans were simply doing there best to assure their survival.

We'll explore how life in the ancient times was in a minute, but does a need to eat, use and exploit animals in the past justify it's continuation in the present day? Indeed, Animal Welfare laws, standards and a love and appreciation of animals has never, arguably, been higher. Is it fair to say that Animal Cruelty is widespread at all? Let's take a look.

Tracing the Roots of Animal Exploitation

Throughout antiquity, animals were regarded through a utilitarian lens, their value determined solely by their utility to humans. In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, animals were subjected to practices ranging from sacrifice and blood sports to forced labor and captivity. For example, in ancient Rome, the gladiatorial games showcased battles not only between humans but also between humans and animals.

The widespread acceptance of these practices normalized cruelty towards animals, reinforcing the notion that their lives held little intrinsic value beyond their usefulness to humans. Even revered figures such as Aristotle justified the exploitation of animals, viewing them as inferior beings designed to serve humanity's needs.

From ancient times, humans have relied on animals for survival. Early societies domesticated animals for food, clothing, transportation, and labor. In these times, the relationship between humans and animals was often one of necessity and respect. Many ancient cultures developed rituals and traditions that honored animals, recognizing their importance in daily life. However, the treatment of animals was largely utilitarian, with the primary focus being on the benefits animals provided to human communities.

Industrialisation: The Beginnings of Factory Farming

As society evolved into the modern industrial era, the scale and nature of animal use changed dramatically. The Industrial Revolution brought about mechanized farming practices, leading to the rise of factory farming. This shift prioritized efficiency and mass production, often at the expense of animal welfare. Animals began to be seen more as commodities than as living beings. Technological advancements allowed for more intensive and large-scale farming, which often resulted in cramped and inhumane conditions for the animals. This period marked a significant departure from the more symbiotic relationships of earlier times.

As societies evolved and industrialized, the exploitation of animals intensified, driven by the demands of burgeoning populations and the pursuit of profit. The advent of factory farming in the 20th century ushered in an era of mass production and mass consumption, transforming animals into mere commodities to be bred, confined, and slaughtered in the pursuit of efficiency and profit. The inherent cruelty of these practices, from the cramped confines of battery cages to the inhumane conditions of slaughterhouses, was largely hidden from public view, perpetuating the normalization of animal suffering in the name of convenience and consumption.

Contemporary Realities: Hidden Cruelties in Modern Society

In the contemporary world, the normalization of animal cruelty persists across various industries and practices, many of which remain hidden from public view. Industrial agriculture, which accounts for a large majority of animal suffering, subjects billions of animals to lives of confinement, deprivation, and slaughter in factory farms and slaughterhouses.

Moreover, the entertainment industry continues to profit from the exploitation of animals, whether through the use of animals in circuses, marine parks, or film and television productions. Even our daily consumer choices perpetuate the normalization of animal cruelty, from the use of animal-derived products in cosmetics, clothing, and household goods to the widespread acceptance of animal testing in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries. These practices, though often overlooked or rationalized, perpetuate a cycle of exploitation and suffering that remains largely invisible to the average consumer.

But arent animals protected by law?

Despite advancements in recognizing animal rights, there remain significant deficiencies in animal law and protection. Many existing laws are outdated and fail to adequately address the complexities of modern animal welfare issues. Enforcement is often weak, with limited resources and inconsistent application of regulations. Additionally, legal protections vary widely across different regions and countries, resulting in a patchwork of standards that can leave many animals vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Industrial practices, such as factory farming and animal testing, are frequently exempt from stringent welfare laws, perpetuating cruelty. Furthermore, penalties for violations are often insufficient to deter mistreatment, and there is a lack of comprehensive legislation that addresses the welfare of all animals, including those used for entertainment, research, and as pets.

What can we do?

As individuals, we have the power to effect change through our everyday choices and actions. Whether through adopting plant-based diets, supporting cruelty-free products, or advocating for legislative reforms, each of us has the capacity to be a voice for the voiceless and a catalyst for positive change. Big or small. every action and help to making the world a better place for animals, be it skipping a steak dinner once a week, or switching to a cruelty-free make up brand. Small changes help make the world a better place!

The Way we Think about Animals.

One way that we consider to be very impactful to help animals, which may not have come to your mind is actually free, easy to do and highly accessible. This involves questioning our relationship with animals and thinking about how we view animals, and if we actually really need to use them at all!