“A human being is part of the whole, called by us the ‘Universe’, a part limited in time and space.  He experiences himself, his thoughts, and feelings, as something separated from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.  This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.  Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

– Albert Einstein, Letter on 02.12.1950

 
 

Because animals are only afforded the status of chattel property under the law, and in the prevailing ethos of our global community, the span and scope of animal exploitation may far exceed what we would reasonably fathom or envisage.  Below, is just a mere sample of the innumerable ways in which we use animals, the suffering we inflict upon them, and the blatant disregard for their inherent value as members of the moral community.  Let us see it clearly now, with our eyes wide open.

Your independent research on the following anthropocentric practices is also highly encouraged:  (1) Angling, (2) Bear Baiting, (3) Bestiality, (4) Chinese Tiger Wine, (5) Cock Fighting, (6) Crush Films, (7) Dancing Bears, (8) Dog Fighting, (9) Dog Sledding, (10) Exotic Pet Trade, (11) Factory Farming, (12) Fur Trapping, (13) Greyhound Racing, (14) Hare Coursing, (15) Horse-Drawn Carriages, (16) Horse Meat Slaughter, (17) Horse Racing, (18) Kangaroo Harvesting, (19) Live Feather Plucking, (20) Live Fish Eating, (21) Live Pigeon Shoots, (22) Snake Charming, (23) Supermarket Lobsters, and (24) Zoos.