In Defense of Animals

                                                In Defense of Animals by Ashley Rogers                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Although I have many subjects that I feel a strong connection to, including my family and schoolwork, I feel most passionate about animal rights and the ethical treatment of animals. As an animal lover and vegetarian, I am strongly devoted to their cause. Raising animals for food not only leads to the needless suffering of countless animals, but negatively impacts the environment as well, leading to an increase in greenhouse gases and pollution of air and water from animal waste. Healthwise, plant-based diets have benefits, including reducing heart disease, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer rates.                                                                                                                                                Other forms of animal abuse that I am also opposed to are the use of animal fur for clothing and hunting, in particular the bear hunt. The "sport" of killing these beautiful creatures for trophies or bear skinned rugs is disgusting. Although Governor Murphy's ban on killing bears on state-owned property helped lessen the number slaughtered, this measure did not go far enough, since according to statistics by The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, one hundred forty black bears were killed in the October 2018 hunt alone. This barbaric practice needs to be replaced by non-lethal means, including requiring bear proof trash containers in areas like Sparta, where contact with bears is more likely. As far as the use of fur for clothing, animal pelts should remain on the animal's back to protect them from the elements. The idea of raising or trapping animals for use as a fashion accessory is wrong. Lastly, animals like killer whales, horses, lions, or elephants should never be forced to perform unnatural tricks solely for the purpose of human entertainment at rodeos or circuses. Fortunately, the changing opinion of our society has led to the elimination of many of these animal venues, like the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.                                                              As stewards of the Earth, it is our responsibility to protect all of God's creatures. Now as I crawl down from my soapbox and go eat my salad and veggie burger, I ask you to consider this. Before you eat that next burger or steak, buy that hunting permit or fur coat, or attend the circus, think about the ethics of your choices. Although it is unrealistic to think that people will stop eating meat, if Americans made a commitment to reduce their meat consumption by even just one day a week, thousands of animals would be saved and the benefit to your health and that of the planet would be substantial. Your four-legged friends will thank you!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ban-the-importation-and-sale-of-fur-in-scotland (anti-fur ad)    https://www.ithacajournal.com/story/news/local/2017/05/23/southern-tier-black-bear-population-booming/101026474/ (bear photo)                                  https://www.farmingmonthly.co.uk/livestock/6601-a-taste-from-the-past-comes-back-to-the-uk/      (cow photo)