Abstract This paper studies the organizations, governmental agencies and courtrooms acting to protect animals from cruelty. The paper begins with a review of the laws against cruelty to animals. Next, the paper explores the mission and success of some of the most well-known non-profit organizations working to protect animals. Included are the Humane Society and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The paper also briefly discusses smaller, grassroots organizations, like Animal Cruelty Actionline. The paper then turns to the laws against animal cruelty and their application in several rather disturbing courtroom cases.
From the Paper "There are currently hundreds of organizations around to prevent and stop cruelty to animals. The most widely recognized organizations are the American Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA since its inception has become a role model for other similar organizations to follow. The organization has a legislative action center in which volunteers are asked to write their legislatures in order to rally for stricter penalties against animal cruelty. Volunteers are kept abreast on current issues related to animal cruelty. The society also keeps a listing of animal humane law enforcement officials and animal control agencies throughout the United States."
Abstract The paper examines the novel, "Halfbreed" by Maria Campbell, an autobiography where Campbell describes the struggles of her life centered around her being a halfbreed, a half-Indian and half-white person, rejected by both the Indian and the white people. The paper shows that cruelty and kindness are important themes of Campbell's story. Firstly, there is the human cruelty of discrimination, represented by the acts of the people. Secondly, it describes the cruelty of society, where society oppresses people. Finally, the paper discusses a belief in human kindness that allows Campbell to overcome the struggles, with the writing of the autobiography an act of reaching out to the people who have discriminated against her and offering them the opportunity to understand the cruelty of their ways and choose to change these ways.
From the Paper "Campbell shows that it is the basis of society that is responsible for the treatment of the halfbreeds. The halfbreeds are homeless because the government took their land from them, forcing them to live in poverty. Their culture was never accepted, instead they were expected to fit into the Canadian culture. This separated the halfbreeds from the rest of society, forcing them to be seen as outcasts. Campbell expresses this process when she says recalls her grandmother's words, ?My Cheechum used to tell me that when the government gives you something, they take all that you have in return - your pride, your dignity, all the things that make you a living soul.?"
Tags: poverty, social, outcast, prostitution, Canadian
Abstract This paper presents a brief history of animal cruelty laws and the interest groups that fight against animal cruelty. The author feels that the information provided is the most current data about animal cruelty and instances of recent animal cruelty cases.
Abstract Cruelty often comes in many forms. In Shirley Jackson's short story, "The Lottery," the writer points out that we see human cruelty in its worst form because there is no excuse for it. It explains how, in this story, cruelty manifests itself in the form of a ritual that makes no sense except for the fact that the ritual has been passed down for generations. It discusses how Jackson's example illustrates how mankind can become a victim to its own mindless traditions and that the theme of cruelty emerges through the words and behavior of the townspeople.
From the Paper "The behavior of the townspeople is very telling. We know that the people gather in the same place every year to participate in this customary ritual. It is interesting to note that the history of this lottery is lost. For example, we read that the "original paraphernalia" (Jackson 619) from where this lottery survives was lost "long ago" (619). The people are like drones because they did not like "to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box" (619). This is fascinating considering what is happening. Rather than question their behavior, they would rather sit back and let the madness continue. Instead, they allow innocent people to be killed. This illustrates how they have become desensitized to what is happening. We can also see how they are desensitized when Mr. Adams tells Mr. Warner that a town nearby is considering giving up the lottery, to which Mr. Warner replies that they are a "pack of young fools" (622). Mr. Warner is old and he is as much a creature of habit as the rest of the town is. His reply to Mr. Adams indicates a truth about humanity in general, which is that if people do something long enough, they begin to believe that it is acceptable and perhaps even right. Here we see how tradition becomes essential to a community because it gives them a sense of belonging and strangely, a sense of purpose."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that animal abuse, including the abuse of dogs, is unfortunately not an uncommon event in North America. The writer discusses that the abuse of dogs can occur in a variety of ways, including dog owners who abuse their own dogs physically and emotionally, individuals who maliciously attack other people's dogs, and dogs that are abused through the pursuit and pleasure of sports such as dog racing or dog fighting. The writer points out that while the suffering of animals is cause enough to understand why animal cruelty is a horrible crime, research has also linked the abuse of animals to human violence. Individuals who are abusive towards animals during their childhood, and indeed throughout their life, have been found by researchers to be far more likely to commit violent crimes against other humans in their adulthood. The writer concludes that animal cruelty is a topic of great concern, especially the abuse of dogs who are highly valued animals within North American society.
From the Paper "Perhaps the saddest form of dog abuse is that which occurs within a dog's own human family. Although most dogs are brought into homes to be a loving and caring addition to the family, not all dogs are afforded the same kind of returned love and care from their owners. Perhaps the most common form of cruelty directed to dogs is neglect. Often families adopt dogs without fully understanding the time commitment and responsibilities associated with raising and training a dog. As a result, the dog may become neglected and ignored by the family, not receiving the necessary exercise or socialization that it needs to become a well adjusted adult canine. Often times these dogs end up being handed over to humane societies, such as the HSUS, where they are either put up for adoption, or if there is no available home for them, they are often put to sleep. Of all the abuse directed at animals, and especially dogs, neglect is possibly the easiest to understand or to forgive. Unfortunately, many dog owners are maliciously cruel to their dogs through physical abuse."
Abstract This paper reviews literature, which supports the linkage between cruelty to animals and to humans especially when this behavior originates in childhood. The paper stresses the importance of early intervention and treatment of animal abusers by medical professionals, law enforcement, teachers and parents to prevent further escalation of this behavior.
Table of Contents:
Introduction- Statement of the Problem and Background
Literature Review and Notorious Examples of Violent Animal Abusers
Profile of an Animal Abuser
Laws Against Animal Cruelty Medical Viewpoint and Steps to Prevention
Plan of Action-Suggestions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Psychologists have discovered that animal cruelty is associated with anti-social behavior and childhood animal abuse is a vital warning sign. Conduct disorder was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1987. One of the criteria for this disorder in children is cruelty to animals. Children that are diagnosed with conduct disorder often develop anti-social personality disorder as adults. The younger the child is when diagnosed with conduct disorder, the greater the risk that he/she will develop anti-social personality disorder."
Tags: profilers, dog fighting, columbine law community
Abstract This paper investigates the relationship between domestic violence and animal cruelty by exploring the relationship between the two problems and by examining research that supports this thesis.
From the Paper "Until recently there has been a lack of attention toward animal abuse and very little study made into the relationship between domestic violence and pet cruelty. Indeed it has been discovered, the bond between women and their companion animals makes it possible for batterers to coerce, intimidate, and control women by abusing their pets. The batterer finds great pleasure in knowing they have hurt the victim through hurting something they love. Elizabeth Strand writes, "the link between animal abuse and woman battering completes the circle of abuse, more commonly called the tangled web of abuse, which must be addressed by social workers in order to intervene effectively and prevent family violence" (par. 6). This link between the two behaviors is commonly referred to as "Link(R)" (American Humane, par. 1) by Animal Rescue professionals like the Humane Society. This emergence of animal cruelty has set into action changes in state law. Due to the number of cases recently with evidence so overwhelming, 41 states and the District of Columbia currently have felony-level convictions for serious acts of animal abuse."
Abstract Cruelty against animals has been a problem that has plagued human history since the earliest days of mankind. This paper discusses how animal abuse is linked to serious psychological problems and how protection of animals also serves to protect humans. The paper contends that in order to prevent further abuse in the future, a uniform system of stricter laws protecting the rights of animals should be passed and enforced across the country.
From the Paper "There is a clear connection between cruelty toward animals as a child and violent crimes committed toward humans later in life. Researchers, as well as the FBI and other law enforcement agencies nationwide, have linked animal cruelty to not only serial killings but also domestic violence, child abuse, and the recent rash of killings by school-age children, according to Dr. Randall Lockwood, Vice President of Training Initiatives for The Humane Society of the United States. (Syufy) In order to protect human and animal victims, there needs to be an awareness of the relationship between violence to animals and subsequent or concurrent violence toward other people. "
Abstract The paper first analyzes the history of using animals for experimentation, and then explains the British Cruelty to Animals Act of 1876.The paper concludes by explaining the reasons why it is unethical to use animals for experimentation, and why the trend must be halted.
Outline:
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "The term 'cruelty' in itself is defined by the Webster's Dictionary as "causing, or of a kind to cause pain, distress, etc. cruel implies indifference to the suffering of others." (Paul; Elder, 211) What this means is that cruelty can encompass the means by which an innocent is forced to experience pain, for some purpose of the inflictor's own, which he could stop if he wished to, but does not. This would bring us to the actual point: in what way is cruelty to animals justifiable in the name of science? Why must an animal be made to suffer untold pain and misery, just so that scientists could analyze and experiment with drugs or scientific methods meant for human beings? As a matter of fact, even common household items, cosmetics, and shampoos, soaps, furniture polish and oven cleaners are tested on animals before they are approved and marketed for humans. For example, a few drops of liquid or granules are dropped into a rabbit's eyes, to test whether it causes irritation, and if does, then the human being would benefit, because the shampoo would be withdrawn, improved, and tested again, and yet again, while the poor creature would suffer untold misery on account of the testing procedures. At times, animals are immobilized in stocks, wherein their heads alone may protrude, and experiments are then conducted, with no anesthesia to dull the pain."
Abstract This paper will compare and contrast Machiavelli's "The Prince" and Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" in terms of their representation of the law, cruelty and mercy. As will be seen, Machiavelli's diabolical reputation notwithstanding, these works illustrate how both men thought along very similar lines. It will be argued that the point at which these elements - law, cruelty and mercy - converge in both men's works is power. Political power is the overriding theme of "The Prince" and the most prominent subtext of Shakespeare's "problem play". Through a discussion first of "The Prince" and then of "Measure for Measure", it will be shown how law, cruelty and mercy are - through the analogous figures of Duke Cesare Borgia and Duke Vincentio - represented as tools of political power and governance in both men's works.
Abstract This paper briefly discusses the moral and legal issues to do with animal rights in the United States. A short history on the American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is included in the paper. The author also points out the link between cruelty to animals particularly amongst youths and serial killers. The author singles out Hawaii as the most recent state to adopt stricter criminal penalties for animal cruelty and at the same time, urges other states to progress in their cultural attitude and impose stricter penalties on barbaric torture of animals.
Outline:
Background and History
The Current State of Criminal Legislation and Future Recommendations
References
From the Paper "Throughout history, man has used animals for food, for their strength to
accomplish mechanical tasks and for the raw materials for everything from winter clothing to tools and weapons. Man, unfortunately, also has a long history of inhumanity to his fellow man, and of cruelty to animals. In much of the rest of the world, cultural attitudes reflect a continuing insensitivity to animals, working them to death, and hunting them to extinction for decorative ivory and superstitious uses of their ground up bones, or harvesting one part such as by hauling them from the water to slice off their fins before tossing them back into the water to sink to the ocean floor and drown."
Abstract This paper explores the way Jewish law views cruelty to animals, the environment, and the obligation to take care of one's health. The paper concludes that because Jewish Law has strong views about all these issues, the ideal diet is a vegetarian diet. The paper analyzes everything from Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) to factory farming.
I. Introduction
II. Tza'ar Ba'aley Chayim and Positive Acts of Kindness
A. Halacha Concerning Cruelty to Animals
B. Throughout Jewish Texts, it is Clear That Kindness to Animals is Highly Desirable
C. So Why Are Jews Allowed To Eat Meat?
D. Meat Eating Today
III. Halacha and the Environment
A. The World and All In It Belongs To G-d and Man Is Responsible For Preserving It All
B. Animals Are Important to G-d
C. Bal Tashchit - The Prohibition on Wanton Destruction
D. Environmental Effects of Producing So Much Meat
IV. Halacha and Health
A. The Importance of Maintaining Health in Halacha
B. Health and Vegetarianism
V. The Misunderstanding of the Importance of Meat in Judaism
VI. Rabbis And Vegetarianism
VII. Conclusions
From the Paper "A feature of halacha (Jewish law) that is often neglected is that Jews are obligated to treat animals with kindness. This aspect gets lost amidst the multitude of complicated sacrificial laws and the laws of kashrut (Jewish dietary law). Perhaps the American approach to eating plenty of meat several times a week without giving any thought to the source of all that delicious food has rubbed off on Jews, making them forget that G-d treasures the lives of all animals and explicitly commanded that man not cause animals unnecessary harm. This paper will draw from different sources in the Jewish tradition to demonstrate that given the state of meat production and consumption today, eating meat may actually violate several Jewish laws and principal. Although halacha allow Jews to eat meat, as long as all the laws and limitations are properly met, halacha prefers that Jews followed a vegetarian diet."
Abstract This paper studies the arguments raised both against and in support of animal testing. It is believed that animals are subjected to cruelty during researches but medical science feels it would absolutely unwise to ban animal testing altogether as it would hinder the progress being made in different branches. It is therefore important to study the subject of animal experimentation in order to find out which group has more valid arguments in support of their stance.
From the Paper "Animal testing is the most commonly used method in not only medical research but also all other kind of scientific research, which has resulted in worldwide protests. It is believed that since many animals are subjected to cruelty during the research, it is an unethical practice, which must be banned. Even animal testing for cosmetic products has also been widely condemned. ?According to a 1994 study of the Tufts University Center for Animals and Public Policy, as many as 50 million or more animals were used each year in American medical research before 1970. Because of the growing influence of animal protection groups, this number had declined to an estimated 20 million animals in 1992.?" (http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/index.html)
Abstract "Antonin Artaud's theater of cruelty techniques are springboards for the director's imagination. His theories, based in part on Cambodian and Balinese dance, extol a form of "total theater," where visual images, gesture, light, sound, and noise take precedence over the written or spoken word.
From the Paper "Antonin Artaud's theater of cruelty techniques are springboards for the director's imagination. His theories, based in part on Cambodian and Balinese dance, extol a form of "total theater," where visual images, gesture, light, sound, and noise take precedence over the written or spoken word. This potent combination is used to disturb the subconscious of the audience and kindle their imaginations. These images are often shocking, but as Artaud explains, "We are not free, and the sky can still fall on our heads; and the theater exists to remind us of this fact" (Artaud 79).
Alfred Jarry's King Ubu displays "the spirit of profound anarchy which is the root of all poetry" (Artaud 42), and this can be seen in Act IV of the play as Pa Ubu states,
We'll stay on top of this hill and we'll not be so..."
Abstract An argumentative paper promoting the idea of zoos as an important place for the preservation of endangered species, as well as a place of education and entertainment. It also examines arguments against the traditional purpose of a zoo from anti-animal cruelty activists.
From the Paper "If the world was ideal, all wildlife would roam freely and safely in their natural habitats. Unfortunately, however, the world is a place of commercialization and ignorance. Many species through the years have been hunted and poached to near extinction, and zoos have become a place of refuge and regeneration. Zoos today include natural wildlife parks and wildlife conservation parks. These parks "encourage animals to behave more like they do in the wild by creating conditions as close as possible to the natural habitat" (Biology pg). Moreover, zoos and wildlife parks provide healthier diets with foods similar to what is found in the wild. Conditions are often designed to enable animals to live with others of their species. Furthermore, many zoos and parks provide a refuge for ill and injured animals that can be returned to the wild, by creating a secluded area to avoid ?human imprinting (when exposure to humans makes the animal prefer human company over its own species)? (Biology pg). These new natural zoos and parks not only give the public a more educated and realistic idea of how a particular animal lives in the wild, but, provide a more nurturing world for an animal to live and mature (Biology pg)."
