How to Justify Loving Animals More Than People

 How to Justify Loving Animals More Than People 

Credit: Waldemar Brandt

'How dare you care so much about animals? What about starving kids in Africa?'

As animal lovers, we're criticised for caring more about animals than people.

But the truth is we're more likely to sympathise with human suffering because we connect kindness to animals with caring for vulnerable people.

Just like a helpless child or older person with dementia who can't speak up for themselves, animals are voiceless and at the mercy of human behaviour.

And let's be clear.

When someone says they love animals more than people, on the whole, they mean human beings as a collective species rather than individuals.  Apart from their loved ones, many people prefer the joy of pets to the misery caused by homo sapiens.

For example, dogs have earned a reputation as man's best friend for a good reason.  They show us loyalty, devotion and unconditional love.

Credit: Spencer Gurley

How many of us have wished that was the case with some of our human relationships? 

So, generally speaking, animal lovers don't hate mankind, but we do have a problem with 'man cruel'.  And that applies whether it's the mistreatment of animals or people.

For instance, humans allowing children to go hungry is unforgivable,  but here's what's utterly sickening...

Over 8oo million people are starving in the world.  Meanwhile, 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted due to over-indulgence and greed (enough to feed 3 BILLION people). 

The human species is to blame for that shocking statistic – loving innocent animals has nothing to do with it.

So whatever drives you to say 'I love animals more than people' (generally speaking), this post explores reasons why it can be justified.

Acting like animals

Let's be honest about this - are we people, or are we animals?

All life on Earth shares similar genes and is driven by the same instincts.  As a father, I love my children dearly, but this applies to all parents, whether it's their lambs, calves or kids.   

So, apparently, it's our intelligence that separates us from animals. 

But hang on...

Apes are also among the most intelligent beings on the planet.

           Credit: Andre Mouton

Science proves they're our closest living relatives (sharing over  98% of our DNA). Although it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see we mirror each other.  

"There is no fundamental difference between man and animals in their ability to feel pleasure and pain, and happiness and misery." – Charles Darwin.

So, the only difference is that, unlike animals, people are responsible for their actions.

And based on the behaviour of some homo sapiens, it's no wonder people love animals more than humans.

At least you know what to expect from animals – the innocence of a child.  The fact is animals are incapable of evil in the literal sense (meaning profoundly immoral and wicked). 

Their only crime is to be born a different species.

Credit: Gal Shapira

And yes, animals fight and kill based on survival instincts but not through discrimination or hatred.  In contrast, people commit acts of racism, terrorism and genocide.

What's more, humans are the only animal on the planet that kill for sport.  Yet, in a derogatory sense, an 'animal' is a person that acts in a despicable manner.

People who enjoy tormenting defenceless beings for fun, such as trophy hunters and other blood 'sport' savages, are obviously the 'animals' here.

On account of these cowards, many people that love wildlife hate human nature.

Credit: Pexels-Pixaby

"Sport" hunting is a sickness, a perversion and a danger and should be recognised as such." – Sir Roger Moore

Even if we forget animals for a minute, people still hate humans for how we've treated each other.

As a species, our record speaks for itself:

• We've murdered millions of fellow humans through genocide, holocausts, slavery and starvation.
• We've jeopardised Earth by causing a climate change catastrophe.
• We've created nuclear missiles that ensure mankind's mutual destruction.

But wait a minute…

Surely homo sapien (meaning wise man) wouldn't be stupid enough to use such murderous weapons?  Shamefully, we already have – not once but twice so far.

And even more sobering, the latest UN report warns that the threat of nuclear war is closer today than in the past 40 years.

Anyway, there you have it - reasons why animals are preferred over warmongering humans and people who abuse defenceless beings.

     Credit: Diana Silaraja

As for those who claim that animal victims are senseless and separate from us...

The truth is, just like humans, animals bleed and feel pain when cut. There's no difference and absolutely no excuses.

Like it or not, ultimately, we're all animals.  The problem is when people go around acting like 'animals'.

Pets and people

Most humans have an inbuilt affection for animals, similar to the love for our own children.  Instinctively, we feel the urge to care for both because they're vulnerable and defenceless.

Credit: Nick Bondarev

This explains why we're obsessed with cute kittens, but also why they've developed a cry that mimics a human baby.  The same applies to dogs and their irresistible, expressive eyes.  In evolutionary terms, it was meant to be.

Fundamentally, we're supposed to protect animals, just as we would a child

Besides, humans are designed to defend the underdog because it's in our own interests.  We have the power to think, 'what if that was me?', and therefore, employ empathy and pity. 

As probably the most intelligent human ever, Albert Einstein advised:

"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty…."

Whilst I don't get Einstein's theory of relativity, I do understand his reasoning here.   

Put simply...

If we protect animals and their habitats, we're saving local countrysides, rainforests, the planet and ultimately, ourselves.

Credit: Monicore Stawowy

Moreover, by extending our humanity, perhaps we evolve morally and maybe avoid nuclear conflict or climate catastrophe. 

So, as the ultimate power on this planet, humans have a moral obligation towards all animals (including each other).  The trouble is that too many people believe animals are unequal (never mind other races).

Indeed, many people are offended by the mere notion of animal rights. It's as if they fear humanity's 'special' status will be diminished.  

Others distance themselves from 'inferior' animals and yet use them to justify immoral behaviour when it suits.  For instance, hunters argue that because animals kill in the wild, then humans can too. 

But animals act according to instinct.  We can choose to behave based on conscience and moral judgment.  Therefore, the excuse that if animals do something, then so can humans is ridiculous.

I mean, some animals sniff each other's backsides when they meet; should we do the same?  Of course not.  Apart from it being bad manners, we can choose a handshake instead. 

So yes, nature can be cruel; however, humans don't have to be.  We were gifted the power of sympathy to relieve suffering, not cause it.  

If we wouldn't like it, we shouldn't do it to another species.

Credit: Harvey Sapir

Sadly, people are wicked to animals simply because they're deemed insignificant.  Try telling that to the 12 million cat and 12.5 million dog owners in the UK alone.

Especially those who treat their felines and canines like furry babies!

Abusing animals can be fatal

Surely people have more to worry about than animal welfare?

Strictly speaking, no, we don't.  

Why? 

Simple.  We depend on animals for our survival.

Humans face starvation without small creatures like bees pollinating plants, worms fertilising soil and spiders controlling insects that devour our crops.

Credit: Michael Hodgins

So, animals are far more critical to the Earth than people in ecological terms.  Moreover, human behaviour is clearly a danger to the planet.

And yet, we have the cheek to claim human supremacy?  

Rather than treating animals with respect, we regard them as beneath us.  Even worse, we've decimated their environments.

And the impact so far?  Devastating droughts are just the tip of a melting iceberg.  In addition, we've suffered scorching wildfires, raging storms and record temperatures.

Indeed this chaos proves one thing - that human beings are not above the natural world.  We're supposed to be in awe of nature, not in contempt of it. 

Credit: Pexels.com

So what's the answer?

The good news is that we have the power (and insight) to prevent self-destruction.  All we have to do is humble ourselves before Mother Nature.

The bad news is that it requires total commitment and cooperation from humanity.  Oh, dear.

But, thankfully, our children are born with a natural love for animals, so they have a fighting chance.

Credit: Alexander Podvalny

Moreover, young people today have started a moral revolution packed with passion and urgency.  

"I believe that once we start behaving as if we were in an existential crisis, then we can avoid a climate and ecological breakdown." – Greta Thunberg

I'm not saying all youngsters will love dung beetles (after all, we're only human), but they have grasped their value to ecosystems.  Plus, they've learnt that animal welfare is a moral duty linked to human welfare and saving the planet.

So, to summarise.

Essentially, love for animals is a natural emotion for humans, and so is fighting injustice.  Achieving fairness for animals is only an aspiration, but it's our task to keep trying.  Just as it is for the equality of the human race.

Indeed, showing sympathy for defenceless beings is the heart of humanity.  Conversely, cruelty to animals is not only the act of a coward - but it's also a link to violence and abuse against people.

For instance, leading criminologist Dr Michelle McManus reports that one of the three traits of serial killers is animal cruelty.

And as the great philosopher Immanuel Kant argued:

"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals…."

Credit: Ferencz Istvan

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 I'm intrigued to hear what you think?

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