Your Votes Helped Animals November 5, 2008

One person makes a difference with every day actions of compassion, and it's important to understand that we also need a larger strategy to see the day in which animals are free from oppression. Yesterday's election here in the United States proved that the nation is slowly moving from a history of violence and discrimination and towards a more just future for all.

In California, Proposition 2, passed by a wide margin of victory, and it will ban some of the worst cruelties to animals raised for food in that state. The confinement of hens to cages so small they cannot spread a wing, veal calves to crates for their entire miserable short lives, and pregnant pigs to crates so small that they can't turn around will now all be banned by 2015. (These are huge industries, so we need to be realistic about how long it will take to make these changes happen.)

Over in Massachusetts, Question 3 passed, and this means that greyhound racing will be banned there by 2010. Dogs who are used for racing spend about 20 hours per day confined to cages measuring approximately 32 inches by 42 inches by 34 inches. Many of the dogs can't even stand completely upright! These greyhounds are also highly susceptible to injuries including fractures, dislocations, lacerations, and amputations and because they're no longer of use to the industry after they are injured, they are often simply killed. Let's hope this is the beginning of the end for those who exploit these dogs for mere entertainment and profit around the world.

I know many of you worked on these issues locally, so congratulations on a job well-done.

Most of you reading this are in high school and college, and I can't stress enough how historic this election has been. If you continue to dedicate yourself to the cause of animal rights, there's no stopping this movement. We must use our voices and actions to defend those who need our help. It won't be easy, and we know that some multi-billion dollar corporations won't stop abusing animals simply because we ask politely, right? It's going to take every single one of us, and our dedication to liberating animals from the institutions of exploitation which currently enslave them.

We will achieve even greater progress during your lifetime. All we need to do is believe in our potential to make the world a kinder place.

Thank you.
-Pulin

Post this story to: Facebook Digg del.icio.us Newsvine MySpace
StumbleUpon More: