Strangely enough, animal rights are very similar to some basic human rights.  The main difference is that it is our responsibility to ensure that animals rights are honored and protected whereas we have the weight of government and countless organizations prepared to dispense, protect and fight for ours.

The FIRST RIGHT that animals have is the right to freedom from hunger and thirst.  Many pet owners are dedicated to seeing that their pets have adequate supplies of nutritious food and clean fresh water.  Because many owners adopt a casual and even neglectful attitude towards their pets welfare, it is up to the rest of us to pick up the slack and do what we can to ensure that the pets we see around us receive what they need in this regard.

The SECOND RIGHT that animals have is the right to freedom from pain, injury, and disease.  Again, responsible pet owners get their pets regularly checked by a qualified vet, and see that any evidence of injury or disease is attended to immediately.  Many pet owners, however, ignore their pets pain and misery, merely because they are callous human beings or because they say, ‘It costs too much”.  If you know of someone considering buying or adopting a pet, take a few moments to inform them of the costs involved.  Where I live, to feed a small dog well, and see that it gets an annual check-up and its required vaccinations once a year, it costs a minimum of 60 dollars per month.  That does not include a bed, collar, leash, toys, treats, and potential accidents or illnesses.  In one year, for one pet, surgery cost me almost $4000.00, and I am far from wealthy.  If you are not prepared to shoulder the costs, you should not keep a pet.

The THIRD RIGHT that animals have is the right to freedom from distress.  A pet is in distress if it is suffering and there is no relief.  That means if a pet is left in a hot car, or if it is wearing a collar that is too tight, or it it has rotten teeth.  A pet is also in distress if it is left in a small confined area or if it is left alone to become bored and lonely.  Make sure your animal and all that you see are not left in distress.  Pets also suffer from emotional distress if they are unstimulated and unloved.  This is the same as prison to an animal.

The FOURTH RIGHT that animals have is the right to freedom from discomfort.  Discomfort exists when a cage is to small for a rodent, bird, or snake, or when a dog or cat is left in an area where it cannot run, jump, or groom itself.  Pets should also be free from the discomfort of  excessive cold, heat, and loud music.

The FIFTH RIGHT that animals have is the right to behave like animals in a manner that promotes their well being and happiness.  Cats need to climb.  Dogs need to run.  Rabbits need to hop, and gerbils need to dig.  All  animals need to play.

Your mission is to see that the pets in your life and the pets around you receive their five basic freedoms.  Fight for them, just as you fight for your own.  If you know of any pets that are being neglected or abused, report the facts immediately to your ASPCA.  You will sleep better for it.