The record-union., 1894-04-20
tn RIGHTS OF ANIMALS.


One of the better signs of modern CIV
ilization is broader, more general recog-
milton Of the rights of animals that are
Immediately subject to the will of man.
These animals were brought within
the jurisdiction of mans use and domin-
ion for his good, and it implies an obliga-
ton on his part to accord them their full
rights. The works of nature are for util-
ization not for abuse. The subordination
of any of them to mans sole use would
seem to imply that these creatures were
dispossessed of all their rights; that they
have none whatever. except such as men
see fit to grant.
But men seeking justice must do JUS
tice. and natural laws exact it from him.
The failure to do justice brings punish
ment inevitably. The cruelty that is Wis.,
tied upon the animal subject to our use
ject Of it. It is the realization of this
truth that has given rise to special organ
izations, the purpose of which is to bring
it more forcibly home to the convictions
of men. The associations, humane So
cieties, and societies for the prevention
Of cruelty to animals, proceed upon
the doctrine that animals have rights that
have not been made wholly dependent
upon mems whims for their exercise.
That is to say, every object in nature has
purpose and is entitled to attain it, at
least in some degree. Therefore there is
no living domestic animal that of right
and by decree of natural law is made sub
servient to the will of man to the utter
extinction of it's rights. Thus, while
lower creatures in natures economy
minister to the wants of higher ones,
they are not by the scheme of such
economy made absolutely helpless; to
hold otherwise is to arrogantly assume
power the exercise of which will unfail-
ingly result in injury to both the master
and the slave.
We do not think that there can be any
denial of these truths. It follows, there
fore, that the association of men to secure
for them greater reception is commenda-
BILE. The Sacramento community is fully
convinced that the local effort of this
character in this city is of benefit to the
whole public: that it has cultivated
more humane spirit by repressing the
cruel; that it has displaced ignor-
ance of and carelessnes in re-
gard to the rights Of animals,
by acknowledgment of them and re-
gard for them; that thereby, while the
animal has been spared and made more
useful, men have been bettered by being
made more gentle and considerate. It is
convinced likewise that In the correction
of abuses in the care and preparation of
animals for food, distinct physical benefit
has followed to man. The laws Of this
State for thirty years and more have
such organizations, and it is noteworthy
that there never has been any legislative
suggestion to withdraw or modify this
commentator and promotion.
The local Humane Society finds still
more work to-day, and because some men
always will be cruel, others always care
less, still others always deceptive, and
others defiant of any restraint upon sb-
soluts personal liberty. and still greater
number indisposed to invite and take
punishment in the general interest, it
finds it necessary to solicit from the peo-
pie material assistance. In this appeal it
ought not to be heard in vain, since it is
laboring directly and unselfshly for the
general good and brings upon the COM
munity benefits it would otherwise not
enjoy.