The lives of animals intersect with our own lives in countless ways, with the balance of power almost always being on the side of people. We can redress this inequality, reduce the amount of suffering in the world, and better support the rights of animals by asking ourselves one simple question: in what ways could I make better choices?
Animals in Entertainment
There are many ways in which humans still use animals for sport and entertainment but animals are not happy in circuses or zoos, being raced for bets, or dressed up to perform TikTok dances. Every one is a sentient being with as much right to bodily autonomy as we have.
But we get it. We love watching and being around animals, too. And there are lots of ways of interacting with animals that are ethical, compassionate, and a lot of fun. We suggest visiting your local sanctuary instead of a zoo or going on wildlife-watching trips. You can get a lot more pleasure watching a dog doing zoomies in a park than a greyhound being forced to race around a track, so why not volunteer to walk a dog for an elderly neighbor or visit the dogs waiting for homes at your local rescue center? And if you love a night at the circus, choose those which favor human acrobatics, clowning, and other skills over those which still exploit animals. You will get all the thrills and spills without the harms.
Adopt, Don’t Shop
Is there a more obvious breach of bodily autonomy than by buying another living being? Often, breeders keep dogs, cats, and others in inhumane conditions and dispose of them when the animals’ most fertile days are over. It’s a highly distressing and almost entirely unregulated industry, and it is one we do not need. Sanctuaries are overflowing with animals desperate for a home, but there are not spaces for everyone and many animals are put to sleep or turned out to fend for themselves. It’s a tragic situation. We can play our part by adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder. Giving a home to an abandoned animal rewards us beyond measure with a lifetime of loyalty, friendship and joy. So why not visit your local shelter? You may just find your best friend is waiting for you.
Cruelty-Free Toiletries and Cosmetics
Did you know that parts of slaughtered animals are used in cosmetics, fragrances, and toiletries? And that some brands still test the ingredients and finished products on animals? When we say ‘tested on’ we should be clear that the products are not painted onto animals’ faces, they are dripped into their eyes until the animals are blind or forced into their stomachs until they die. This is without doubt the ugliest side of the beauty industry. But again, we have choices to make. There are many products and brands that would never use and harm animals in this way, and those brands often have better environmental credentials, too. Find out more about this issue as well as our own picks for the best, cruelty-free beauty brands available.
Choose Kinder Threads
The clothes we buy say a lot about us, and one of the things they whisper is whether or not we consider the lives and wellbeing of animals in our purchases. After all, the wool in our sweaters and socks was taken from slaughtered sheep. The leather in our shoes and bags is the skin of a cow, calf, snake or other animal who did not deserve to lose it. The fur trim on our coat or lining our gloves was part of a rabbit, mink, or fox who should be living freely, not farmed or trapped, then killed and skinned.
Thankfully, it is pretty easy to avoid all these harmful items, we just need to spend a moment reading the labels and making sure we choose kindly as well as stylishly. Discover more about how fabrics are produced and how we can embrace the most stunning cruelty-free fashion.
Eat Vegan
The largest area of harm comes from the industrial farming complex where billions of animals are exploited, harmed, and killed every year. There is just no avoiding contributing to their suffering if we eat meat, fish, eggs, or milk. And while disentangling ourselves from this particular area of animal suffering can take a little time, it is well worth it because those products not only harm huge numbers of animals, they disproportionately harm the environment and our health, too.
We recommend signing up for one of our introductory 7-day or 30-day courses. They are free, fascinating, and a great introduction to the practical ways we can change our diets for the better. And the one thing almost all vegans will tell you is… I wish I had done it sooner.
Support Animal Campaigns
All over the world, campaign groups are working hard to make meaningful changes for animals. Among other goals, they are fighting for: welfare changes for farmed animals; an end to greyhound and horse racing; an end to experimenting on animals; a ban on trophy hunting; an end to foie gras and fur; a ban on circuses, zoos, and rodeos; and protection for marine animals. Search online for the issues that matter most to you and sign up for newsletters, add your name to petitions, contact your political representatives, or participate in a fundraiser.
Some groups we greatly admire and recommend you check out are: Nonhuman Rights Projects, Animal Equality, Mercy for Animals, Cruelty Free International, Born Free Foundation, and Farm Sanctuary.
