Animal Rights Awareness Week, which originated in 1999 by the animal rights group, In Defense of Animals (IDA), starts on June 19 this year. The goal of the week is to help raise animal rights awareness by educating the public about the basic needs of animals around the world, and to advocate for the humane and compassionate treatment of all animals. Animal rights awareness extends from our own individual pets to all companion animals, farm animals, wildlife, and animals used for testing, experiments and medical research.
Closing of Ringling Brothers Circus
After more than 100 years in business, The Ringling Bros. circus last show was in May of 2017. A huge victory for animal rights activists, over the years this show was cast in the spotlight for its acts of animal cruelty behind the scenes. Forced into unnatural situations, elephants were torn away from their mothers soon after birth to be taught ridiculous circus routines. Trainers used everything from bullhooks and ropes to electric prods to get these precious animals to cooperate out of fear.
All Car-Crash Tests on Animals Stop
In 1991, the New York Times reported that over 19,000 animals were killed in automotive crash tests over the past decade. From dogs and pigs to rabbits and rats, these animals were used in tests that General Motors Corporation (GM) said it could not perform with computers or dummies alone. In 1993, all car-crash tests on animals were stopped worldwide following a hard-hitting PETA campaign against GM.
Oil Companies Cover Exhaust Stacks
After an uproar of animal activists pointed out the many birds losing their lives after getting caught in oil smokestacks, companies promised to screen smokestacks at refineries to prevent the killing of migratory birds.
California Passes Prop 2
In 2008, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 2, a ballot measure that requires egg-laying hens raised in California be able to stand up, lie down, turn around, and fully extend their wings. At the same time, many of the nation’s largest egg buyers, from McDonald’s to Burger King to Unilever, are requiring that their egg suppliers go cage-free. This proposition sets both a nationwide and worldwide precedent for other suppliers to follow suit.
India Bans Import of Exotic Skins and Furs
The import of the skins of reptiles and the fur of chinchillas as well as minks and foxes are now banned in India. This ban comes after Maneka Gandhi wrote a letter to the Minister of State (IC) Commerce and Industry, pressing the need to curb cruelty towards animals by prohibiting the import of exotic skins. This ban sets a precedent for others around the world to stop using the skins and furs of precious animals — there are so many other faux options in this day and age to choose from; inspire others to ditch the fur and cozy up to some cotton!
Mumbai Bans to Horse-Drawn Carriages
Horse-drawn carriage have long been boycotted by animal rights activists all around the world. It was found that horses in Mumbai’s carriage industry were frequently denied veterinary care, adequate rest and even water as they were pushed to the point of exhaustion on the city streets. Finally, after years of pressure, these horse-drawn carriages are being phased out. Many hope other cities will follow suit to keep horses off the city streets and in greener pastures where they can thrive.
California Bans Orca Captivity and Breeding
After much dismay over SeaWorld’s practices and the release of the documentary Blackfish, California recently passed a ban — breeding of orcas and holding them in captivity is now illegal. According to the LA Times, California parks will also be banned from featuring the marine mammals, known as killer whales, in performances for entertainment purposes.
While many advancements in animal rights have been made throughout the years, there is still so much work to do to protect our furry friends. Use this year’s Animal Rights Awareness Week to spread the message and inspire others to speak for the precious creatures on this planet that cannot speak for themselves. We can help make this world a kinder and more beautiful place for all animals, big and small.