In this modern world, where we see horrifying abuses of human rights on a daily basis, it may seem incongruous to some people to worry about the rights of animals. However, showing kindness to animals is a measure of humanity – it has even been said that a society can be judged according to how it treats its animals, just as it can be judged on the way it treats its minorities. Animals, after all, are a highly vulnerable group in the sense that they are voiceless and powerless but sentient beings nevertheless…

Some deep-rooted cultural activities involve cruelty to animals - a notable example is bull-fighting in Spain. The upcoming ban on fox-hunting in the UK is giving rise to enormous controversy at the moment, with animal-rights activists in conflict with the “Countryside” movement, which aims to protect traditional country pursuits.Some people consider that all forms of hunting as well as shooting and fishing should be banned by law.

The domain of medical research is another area where strong feelings are aroused. People employed in laboratories where animals are used for testing drugs and various techniques for use in medicine regularly receive hate-mail and death-threats from activists. Yet, most drugs must be tested on animals by law before being put on the market. Literally millions of animals are made to suffer and put to death every year in laboratories across the world in the interests of medical science. Opponents say that there are modern techniques that should make the use of animals unnecessary, but it seems very unlikely that this will happen in the near future.The testing of cosmetics on animals however is beginning to have a bad name and many manufacturers state explicitly that their beauty products are not tested in this way.

Modern agri-business aims to provide consumers with meat as cheaply as possible. Chickens, cattle and pigs are reared by the million using methods, which have been described as “technically refined torture”. From birth to the day they are slaughtered, they are kept in cruelly restricted quarters without light or air or room to move.They are transported between the various countries of the European Union in horrifying conditions, all in the name of quick profit. Awareness of all this is leading to a rise in the popularity of organic products but unfortunately these remain too expensive for the average consumer.

The illegal trade in animals, animal skins and parts is leading to the extinction of certain species. The rhinoceros is probably the best-known example, killed for the so-called medicinal properties of its horn. The UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species [CITES] has been signed by 120 nations but is not respected by most. The illegal trade in animals, including ‘exotic’ animals sold as pets, is the third most important contraband trade in the world after drugs and arms. Many of these animals die in transit or, if they survive, are sold into conditions unsuitable for their well-being.

It seems very paradoxical that ordinary pets like cats and dogs are better fed and treated in some countries than human beings in others… but it is also true that, in terms of numbers, there is probably more suffering inflicted on animals in today’s world than ever before… Which leads us yet again to question the idea that the human race is progressing…