The Rural Voice, 1983-06, Page 8Ward & Uptigrove
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PG. 6 THE RURAL VOICE, JUNE 1983
In the 1980's scientists became inter-
ested in this issue and there has been an
explosion of papers, journals and books
written on equal treatment of humans
and animals and the expansion of animal
rights. There are now many journals
which regularly publish articles relating
to animal welfare, one of these being the
International Journal for the Study of
Animal Problems.
Many new organizations were formed
in the early 80's such as the Scientists'
Centre for Animal Welfare in Washing-
ton, D.C. and the more radical Animal
Rights Mobilization (ARM) which recent-
ly attracted 200 people to a conference in
Ocean City.
Singer has collaborated with Jim
Mason on another book called "Animal
Factories" which, according to Dr.
Hurnik, is surprisingly factual and shows
inside knowledge of animal agriculture
and should not be dismissed lightly by
farmers. "Everyone seriously concerned
about .the welfare of animals or asso-
ciated with animal agriculture should
read this book," Hurnik said.
There is also an increasing demand tor
legislation as society is saying that farm
animals should be protected by laws.
Animal welfare organizations are raising
enough money through public appeals to
hire staff to work full time lobbying for
the movement. Already in the 1970's the
Animal Disease Act has been changed to
the Animal Disease and Protection Act.
Efforts are being made to change the
Federal Criminal Code which at the
present time considers animals as chat-
tels to be used as the owner sees fit.
The biggest influence on the future of
the meat industry will come as a result of
the work being done through the school
systems where books and slide presenta-
tions on modern day animal husbandry
used to produce food are being shown to
children. Children are being asked "What
dead animals did you eat yesterday?" A
few of the extremists in the movement
are vegetarians who do not believe
animals should be raised for food.
Dr. Hurnik summed up the day by
urging livestock producers and animal
welfarists to search out the common
ground they both share on this issue.
"Extreme animal welfare or extreme
economism are both unacceptable," he
said. "People who insist on taking these
extreme positions will soon find them-
selves without anyone to talk to."!7
Scientific tests using animals questioned
Should scientists be allowed to con- cause unnecessary suffering."
duct any painful operation or procedure But what is the definition of unneces-
on animals in order to add to the bank of sary suffering? After a lengthy examina-
knowledge in libraries or computers? tion of this question, Lehman offered the
Does it make any difference if the following definition:
research is being conducted in order to A pain is a necessary pain if and
develop a better floor polish, cosmetic or only if either it is unavoidable or
surgical procedure? Dr. Lehman said that it is essential for purposes of
society must be willing to re -think this sufficient importance and there is
kind of issue frequently and reflect on the no affordable alternative proce-
ways society makes decisions. dure for achieving these purposes
"We need to develop a 'theory of which would entail causing pain
purposes' for scientific experiments," he or discomfort, etc. of less inten-
told the group "and we ought not to sity or extent.
Suggested Reading
For those who would like to understand the animal welfare movement, a good
place to start is with some of the following books.
1 Animal Rights and Human Obligations". ed. Tom Regan and Peter Singer.
This is a collection of selections from sources from modern and ancient times.
2. All That Dwell Therein, Essays on Animal Rights and Environmental Ethics",
by Tom Regan. Publisher: University of California Press. This book contains a
bibliography.
3. Animal Liberation" by Peter Singer. Publisher: Jonathan Cape, London.
4. Animal Rights and Human Morality" by Bernard Rollin. Contains a good
discussion of uses of animals in scientific research and testing. Publisher:
Prometheus Books.
5. Animal Machines, The New Factory Farming Industry" by Ruth Harrison,
Publisher: Vincent Stuart Ltd.
6. Animal Factories" by Jim Mason and Peter Singer. Publisher: Crown
Publishers, New York.
Most of these books should be available through your county library system or at
the University of Guelph library.;=