Crimes vs ‘fellow living beings’

THIS IS about the crass videos being produced here in the Philippines. (“NBI goes after animal torturers,” Inquirer, 5/1/11) I am seriously alarmed and disturbed by the violence done against the animals. This heinous act not only disgusts me—it makes me wonder as well whether the women who are being asked to perform such horrendous acts are also victims themselves.

As a staunch animal welfare advocate and a vegetarian, it depresses me that such violent crimes against animalkind are being perpetrated to indulge the perverse fetishes of humanity (one can obviously see that the people who take such immense pleasure from acts like these are in dire need of psychiatric help). It is evident that people who produce these videos prey on the mental illnesses of these individuals out of greed, and thus they must be punished to the full extent of the law.
This is a prime example of speciesist arrogance—the assumption that the purpose of animals is for human use and abuse. Perhaps, this sickening incident is the perfect opportunity to talk about the many crimes we commit against our fellow living beings. We continue to ignore the fact that animals possess intellect and personalities just like us—yet studies have already affirmed that animals possess intelligence and character, something which we have, since time immemorial, believed to be the monopoly of humankind. (https:// www.sciencedaily.com/releases/ 2011/04/110427092053.htm)

It is only fitting that we start doing less harm and more good not only by pursuing the criminals behind the crass videos but also by discarding the belief that animals are designed for the purpose of human consumption. After all, exploitation is exploitation—and to be indignant against one act of cruelty and not with another is an admission that our perception of justice is selective. I must say that turning vegetarian not only helps animals; it also affects humanity and the environment as well. (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/bruce-friedrich/ resolved-eating-animals-i_b_671322.html)

As we advance toward a more enlightened understanding of our position in this world, we must extend our compassion toward other beings as well.

—EVAN TAN,
[email protected]