By Gisel Flores
As humans, some tend to favor one animal more than other animals. Some may like dogs more than cats, or cats more than dogs. Having a favorite animal does no harm, but when it comes to saving one animal over another from slaughter or abuse, the majority of people tend to look the other way. This is common when dogs are being sold for meat in China and people are quick to jump into action to save those dogs or show more emotion towards that situation. However, when cows, pigs, chickens, or any other animal not considered a house pet is put in that situation, people tend to not give a second thought.
The life of an animal becomes more important for an individual if it has any significance to one’s life, such as a pet cat or dog would. With that being said, the life of any other animal should not be valued less than the life of any everyday pet. All animals are capable of showing the same emotions as humans, some more stronger than others. The fact that a majority of people can turn a blind eye to a pig or cow being murdered in a slaughterhouse, but at the same time become completely emotional and involved when a dog or cat is put through the same situation is simply hypocritical. All animals should be treated with the same love and compassion as any house pet. No species should be looked at as being superior to another species of animal.
The average lifespan of a cow ranges from eighteen to twenty-two years and, just like people, cows feel pain and are conscious beings with emotion. In a slaughterhouse, a cow’s lifespan typically does not pass thirty-six months. Just as puppies play when they are young, calves also have that same playful spirit as well; Even when they are older, some are still capable of having those same playful tendencies. Despite many assumptions, chickens are very intelligent. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), chickens are capable of counting, manipulation, and showing some level of self-awareness. If humans start spending more time with an animal other than a regular cat or dog, one will start to see the compassion that all animal show to humans.
Once people stop looking at animals differently, the reality of how alike humans are to animals is realized. Just as humans, animals feel pain regardless of their species. Animals are capable of feeling emotions, just as humans do, as they feel the same range of sadness and happiness that people can relate to as well. All animals should be looked at as equal with the same love and compassion.
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