Are animals our companions or property?

This topic is a much heated debate it seems. And more and more this comes down to laws. Anyone who tells you there is no difference between animal welfare and animal rights is wrong. There is a difference. And there will always be those who will tell you that animals are not sentient, that they only know what it taught them and cannot think for themselves, or that they have no soul.

Ok, time for a few definitions and then my take on them.

Sentience is defined as the ability to feel or perceive. Sentience may also be used to describe the ability to have sensations or experiences. In the philosophy of animal rights, sentience implies the ability to experience pleasure and pain. Animal-rights advocates typically argue that any sentient being is entitled at a minimum to the right not to be subjected to unnecessary suffering, though they may differ on what other rights (e.g., the right to life) may be entailed by simple sentience.

Animal Welfare is defined as the physical and psychological state of non-human animals. The term animal welfare can also mean human concern for animal welfare or a position in a debate on animal ethics and animal rights.
Systematic concern for animal welfare can be based on awareness that non-human animals are sentient and that consideration should be given to their well-being, especially when they are used for food, in animal testing, as pets, or in other ways. These concerns can include how animals are killed for food, how they are used for scientific research, how they are kept as pets, and how human activities affect the survival of endangered species.

• Freedom from thirst and hunger - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
• Freedom from discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
• Freedom from pain, injury, and disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
• Freedom to express normal behavior - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
• Freedom from fear and distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

Animal Rights are defined as also referred to as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings. Advocates approach the issue from different philosophical positions, but agree that animals should be viewed as non-human persons and members of the moral community, and should not be used as food, clothing, research subjects, or entertainment. They argue that human beings should stop seeing other sentient beings as property—not even as property to be treated kindly. Critics argue that animals are unable to enter into a social contract or make moral choices, and for that reason cannot be regarded as possessors of rights.

 Ok, here's my take on some things; Having lived with animals around me all my life, and watching wildlife for the pure enjoyment and awe of watching them in their natural state, I firmly feel all animals are sentient. Animals feel emotions, maybe not in the same way we do, but they do have them. They are also very much able to problem solve think for themselves and make decisions. Animals and children however do one thing we adults have forgotten how to do, and that is live in the moment and enjoy that moment to the fullest.

Animals have interacted within our existence for millennia. As we chose to work with animals or bring them into our homes and domesticate them, we unconsciously made a bargin with them. We agreed to care for them, for their needs, protect them, shelter them, provide food and water. They agreed to provide us with protection, hunting skills, companionship, fur and food and a myriad of other things. They have asked so little of us except for compassionate and loving care. But they give us so much more. And they teach us so much. We owe it to them to provide the best we can for them in a humane and compassionate manner. I personally am not for the "money" end of animal exploitation. I think even if they are being raised for food or such they should be treated humanely.

On animal rights, ok, this line is getting blurred more and more. People and the animal rights activists confuse this or make it an extension of animal welfare. Most animal rights activists feel that animals should have rights similar to us. However...... many animals because they have been our companions for centuries are no longer able to forage or care for themselves, so we cannot completely sever our ties with them in the way the activists would like. Personally I feel some of their views are a little extreme. I do feel however that a good middle ground needs to be found here. Animals do need protection from cruelty and neglect. They also do not need to be exploited for research anymore, for medical components, for greed or perceived entertainment (i.e. dog fighting, cock fighting, etc.). Yes they need to be treated with respect, simply because they are sentient and a life. We need to respect all life, period. Respect a wild moose for his beauty, his grace, his life spirit, and the incredibleness that makes him a moose. Remember he's not a tame animal, he's a wild animal, respect him for it and observe, give him room, take only pictures. Respect his boundaries, just as you would wish others to respect your space and boundaries. Big clue here people....... You earn respect by giving it. Respect another's dog because he doesn't know you, and you may be encroaching on his space or his family, or threatening him.

Now back to the headline..... despite all these definitions, etc., the law still sees animals as property, not as sentient members of a family or able to be their own persons. And as long as they continue to be bought and sold or transferred ownership, the law will continue to see them as property.  And as long as they are continued to be seen as property, they will not have rights, HOWEVER... they do qualify for welfare, respect, love and all the care we can give them. It is up to us how we perceive them and interact with them. And I sincerely hope you can be one of the loving, attentive, and compassionate care givers. They give you so much more than you can ever give them, do all you can for them.