Reviving Animal Welfare: A Philosophical Appraisal of Barbarism or Civilization?

Animal welfare is a crucial issue of concern today as it portrays a clear reflection of human responsibility towards the wellbeing and treatment of other living beings. I emphasize that, there is a progressing recognition that animals possess intrinsic value and merit to be treated respectfully and compassionately. This belief has resulted to the promulgation of laws and regulations that guarantee and protect animals from cruelty, suffering, neglect, disrespect and pain. Animal welfare addresses a wide range of issues including; the treatment of animals in agriculture, research, scientific testing, entertainment and trade. In agriculture, there is an emerging concern related to the conditions animals are raised for food. Intensive confinement, inhumane procedures of research and animal testing involving pain and cruelty, without anesthesia, adversely affect animal welfare to a greater extent. I conclude that, there is need to ensure that animals are used only when very necessary needs arise, their (animals) suffering and pains should be prevented or minimized drastically and alternative methods (non-invasive techniques) that do not involve animal testing, horror, agony and pain should be adopted. Promoting ethical practices and collective efforts advocating for animals’ rights create and a more humane world for the friendly cohabitation of all living beings.