Dated: March 11, 2021
Do Animals Have Rights: A Farewell to Speciesism
It is very clear that animals are not treated with the same respect humans give to one another, which, at times, can even be lacking. Animals are a part of this earth with less advantages when compared to human beings. Many people view animals as just resources. Whether it is animals subjected to cages in zoos or being placed in wet markets. Speciesism seems to be an ever-growing issue.
What is Speciesism?
Many may ask themselves what is speciesism? The term speciesism is a term from 1970 regarding discrimination of individuals from species to species. In addition, speciesism’s definition is the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals. It is an obvious bias that spans across cultures and render humans unable or unwilling to connect animal exploitation to the resulting consequences. Speciesism is taking place in our world and many may not even recognize it.
Speciesism in our Culture
Whether it be our food, fashion or even medicine, animals are used in inhumane ways. The battle of speciesism can be seen through many different examples. Such as the issues with zoonosis and the overall culture when it comes to how we view animals. An animal’s legal status varies depending on location. Statuses are different in the U.S when compared to many other countries and cultures, such as China for example. The goal is to end speciesism, or at the very least educate the masses on the disturbing factors that lead to speciesism.
End Speciesism
Prime Law Group, LLC’s very own Tracy McGonigle is going to bat for animals all over. Tracy is an attorney and overall animal lover, who’s area of practice lies in appellate, animal law, business, civil litigation, local government, and real estate. On top of that, Tracy was the Executive Director of the Hooved Animal Humane Society from 2011-2020, as well as a licensed approved humane investigator and is the current chairman of the Animal Law Committee of the CBA, she is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), as well as the American Bar Association (ABA).
Tracy has special interest in animal law and advocacy and will be displaying her passion at Northern Illinois University, College of Law, where she will be presenting the case “A Farewell to Speciesism: How Humanity’s Exploitation of Other Species Should Improve the Global Legal Status of Animals in the Wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic”.
