HENRY SALT CH 2

THE CASE OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS

The main principle behind animal rights remains fundamentally the same, irrespective of
whether the animals are wild or domestic. However, the rights of these 2 classes may differ
largely in extent and the importance attached to them. It is convenient to consider the subject
of domestic animals apart from wild animals because their relationship with the humankind is
so altered and emphasized by the fact of their subjection. It is impossible to ignore the
responsibility upon humans, with respect to dealing with vast races of beings whose entire
conditions of existence has been altered and modified by humans. He goes on to say that the
human mind tends to ignore its duties to others, especially seen in its treatment of lower races
throughout history.
He states that the services provided by domestic animals have become an integral part of the
modern society and we cannot dispense of these services any more than we can dispense of
human labor itself. Humans can at least move towards an ideal relationship in the future. He
suggests that the conditions under which labor is performed either by Animals or humans,
should enable the worker to gain some appreciable pleasure in the work done, instead of
subjecting them to injustice and ill-treatment.
Domestic Animals can be divided into 3 main categories- (1) Horses, asses and mules; (2)
oxen, sheep, goats, pigs; (3) dogs and cats.
Acc. To Humphry Primatt (Author cited), Food, Rest and Tender usage are the three basic
rights of domestic animals. Man has an indispensable duty to bestow upon animals, in return
for the benefit they get in return from their services. Good and sufficient nourishment,
comfortable shelter and merciful treatment should be provided. Domestic animals deserve a
higher level of care and should be treated with grace and benignity as there is a natural
commerce and mutual obligation between humans and animals.
He argues that in 19th century England, the rights of domestic animals were very commonly
and grossly violated. The first category (Horses, Mules, asses) of domestic animals have
since the beginning faced brutality and treated as mindless beasts for Man’s wishes, with no
sense of individuality and intelligence. The true cause of this injustice is the unwarranted
neglect by humans and indifference towards animals. Similar to the First category, the second
class of domestic animals, which includes sheep, goats, oxen, etc. are subjected to more
extensive neglect and ill treatment. They are regarded as “live-stock” and “farm-produce”
and constantly treated with brutal inhumanity. One example of this brutal treatment is the
practice of castration, which is utterly needless and unjustifiable. The third category, which
includes cats and dogs are more closely associated with humans and are often inmates in their
homes. Dogs and cats undoubtedly enjoy more care and attention compared to the other
divisions. However, even they are considered a fit subject for experimental torture, such as
vivisection. Further, there have been other instances of ill treatment of these animals as well.
The existence of animal shelters and homes themselves demonstrate the neglect and
indifferentism that even the most familiar domestic animals face.
It is important to remember that domestic animals do not exist for mere idle amusement or
commercial profit of its owner. The injustice towards domestic animals rises out of the belief
that animals have the life of a “brute” and do not hold a moral purpose, lacking a distinctive
personality worthy of due consideration and development. In order to discontinue such
absurdity, it is essential for lower animals to be regarded as intelligent beings. It is essential
to recognize that the services of domestic animals have, by immemorial usage, become an
important and necessary element of modern life. Apart from the universal rights animals
possess in common with all intelligent beings, domestic animals also should enjoy a special
claim on human courtesy and a sense of fairness, inasmuch as they are their fellow workers
or familiar associates and trusted inmates of their homes.