The status of the animals in the modern society has become a controversial topic, dividing individuals into two main groups. Some of them consider that they have the right to use the animals for various reasons
such
as work,
research
or as a source of
food
.
On the other hand
, others believe that animals should not be exploited and
should be granted similar rights to humans. I partially agree with
this
argument and
this
essay will analyse both views before reaching a conclusion.
On the one hand, numerous animals are exploited by humans in unimaginable cruel ways.
Firstly
, despite the enormous technological upheavals of the 20th century, a large proportion of animals
such
as donkeys and horses are still used for traction on farms across the world. Those animals are often required to do heavy work
such
as pulling carts and loads as well as carrying loads, which can result in physical damage and even death.
Secondly
, a large proportion of animals are kept in cages in zoos in cruel conditions and they spend all their lives in a captive environment.
Thirdly
, other animals are illegally killed for commercial purposes
such
as elephants for their ivory tusks.
Consequently
, because of all the aforementioned reasons it can be argued that it is inhumane to exploit animals and they should be granted at least the right to live in freedom, if not similar rights to humans.
On the other hand
, critics argue that animals should be used for
food
and
research
.
Firstly
, it is well known that a significant proportion of our
food
is coming from animals
such
as meat, dairy or eggs. It can be argued that humans rely on animals for their
food
, and as long as another
alternative is found to provide similar nutrients as animal-based
food
, people have no choice but to eat animal products.
Secondly
, numerous vaccines and drugs are tested on animals before they are used on humans. Even if it can be considered a barbaric activity by some advocates of animal rights, it should be acknowledged that currently there is no other option to develop innovative medications, unless people volunteer to have those drugs tested on themselves
instead
of animals. As long as humans do not have access to technologies that could replace animal
research
or
food
completely, there is no other option, but to keep using them, until new technologies will be invented.
In conclusion, I believe that we should stop using animals for work, entertainment or commercial purposes.
However
, given the current situation people have no other options, but to continue using them for
food
and
research
, at least until humanity will have access to new technologies that provide alternative sources of
food
and
research
.