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ANIMAL PROTECTION by Ron Kroese |
Reducing the suffering humans bring upon animals is the mission shared by all animal protection organizations. They range from well-established animal welfare organizations that primarily are concerned about the humane treatment of pets and farm animals to animal rights groups which challenge the very notions of hunting, domesticating and eating animals. What becomes painfully clear, however, as one peruses the growing number of web sites dealing with the welfare of animals is the connection between the health and survival of our own species and how we treat our fellow creatures on the planet.
1) Humane Society of the United States -- The largest animal protection organization in the country, it has nine regional offices and claims some five million constituents. While best known for its concern for the treatment of pets, it has programs, domestic and international, dealing with broader environmental concerns, including the care of livestock. Its recently upgraded web site contains links to its various affiliates such as the Center for Respect for Life and Environment, dedicated to exploring ethical and religious issues involved in our relationship to creation. With the Red Cross, HSUS cooperated in an initiative dealing with helping animals survive natural disasters .
2) World Society for the Protection of Animals. -- The London-based WSPA claims the 'most widespread animal protection network in the world,' with 300 member societies in 70 countries, including the U.S. The home page contains links to sites detailing the Society's various campaigns that are taking on everything from stopping bullfights in Cairo, to saving animals from the ravages of volcanic eruptions on Montserrat to its on-going battle against trapping for fur.
3) Animal Rights Resource Site -- Practically everything you could want to find out about the animal rights movement can be found here. Links to scores of animal right organizations from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to PAWS (Performing Animal Welfare Society), student organizations and vegetarian activists around the world, even animal rights jobs opportunities. It includes a link to the encyclopedic Animal Rights FAQ, where several of the movement's best-known writers provide in-depth answers to all the challenging questions posed by critics and skeptics.
4) Sustainable Farming Connection -- As the connection between the dangers of industrially produced food and the mistreatment of farm animals becomes increasingly evident, there are more and more organizations directing campaigns at stopping the onslaught of factory farms. Here is the rare web site where farmers themselves can get information on how to raise livestock for profit in a manner that recognizes that cattle, pigs and chickens are animals, not machines . The Farming Connection's lively, comprehensive site also has links to other sustainable farming groups and government sustainable agriculture initiatives, as well as to national and grassroots policy campaigns, such as Iowa Hog Confinement and F.A.R.M. -- Families Against Rural Messes , two Midwest groups trying to stop megahog farms from moving in and stinking up their neighborhoods.
5) If you are interested in a contrary point of view -- Americans for Medical Progress, -- This organization was formed to promote animal-based medical research and to counter what its publicists call the 'anti-science campaign of harassment and disinformation by animal rights activists.' Backed by a board and advisory council of eminent doctors, researchers and politicians, this site aims to be the official voice of reasoned opposition to animal rights. Its efforts include the 'Hollywood Information Project,' which challenges what it calls the hypocrisy of movie stars who lobby for more AIDS research while opposing research on animals. In blasting PETA and other animal rights groups they state, 'You can't be for AIDS research and for animal rights.' For a more visceral attack on animal rights activists, check out Hunters Against Animal Rights Madness -- H.A.A.R.M.. Sporting their camouflage lapel ribbons, they have declared war on animal rightists. They've even created their own PETA group - People Eating Tasty Animals.
Ron Kroese is president of St. Croix Valley Community Foundation in Somerset, Wisconsin.