The Animal Rights Issue and Its Role in Society
I am writing in response to T. Rose’s letter, “Animal Rights and the Focus of Activism” (June 4). I wonder who Rose thinks she is when she makes the statement that animals do not have the same rights as people. All life is precious, and no one has the knowledge or right to judge which species has a greater right to live.
Therefore, when it comes to the use of animals by people, how they are used must be strictly regulated. For instance, when it comes to our food supply, using an animal as food is fairly humane; after all, it follows the guidelines of the natural food chain. The use of animal furs by fashion, and, as Rose claims, warmth, is far from humane. There are many other ways to keep warm. One way is wood, which can be removed without any harm to the animal.
As far as destroying animals’ natural habitats, I agree with Rose’s statement that we shouldn’t stop building. We couldn’t stop even if we wanted to. However, I feel that this should be kept to a minimum.
Antonio Aguilar represents a very important part of a democratic society. It is the people’s responsibility to see that the rights of animals are protected, or else we will live in a truly barbaric world.
JOHN STEVENS
Costa Mesa
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