Human Domination of Nature: Selfishness towards Animals and Their Environment

The size of the human population and the intensity of human economic and technological activities massively impact the belief that human beings are the most important entity in the universe. Humans express this domineering attitude toward nonhumans, rich against the poor, the strongest over the weaker, and humans over other creatures in the universe.

On the other hand, Human beings are given the authority to take care of all creatures that move on Earth. Darwin asserts that: 

"All living things have change in response to environmental conditions by the natural selection of randomly occuring mutations developing from the simplest forms to complex forms which are prolific and stronger, due to their better adaptation to their environment" (Darwin,1882). 

But, as already asserted above, mankind still perpetrates speciesism in nature in that, they earnestly protect and defend their kind against animals. Humanity has failed to accept and recognize the fact that humans have a responsibility as beings at the apex of biological existence and with responsibility granted to them by God to care for nonhuman animals and other creatures in nature.

The human species has developed skills, knowledge, and technology to resist and overcome natural forces and threats. As human civilization expanded, more space and resources were required, and other species were destroyed due to destruction, fragmentation, or degradation of habitat. In this way, habitat loss poses the greatest threat to species.

Unfortunately, besides the habitat of animals, humans have continued to exploit animals for their own gain without considering the welfare of animals. Some examples of animal exploitation due to human selfishness include:

1. Entertainment

Zoos, aquariums, and circuses are popular entertainment venues. However, Animals are not circus clowns, thousands of animals are forced to perform difficult tricks under the threat of physical punishment until the day they die.

2. Scientific Experimentation

Each year, it is estimated that more than 50 million rats, dogs, cats, monkeys, rabbits, and other animals are forced to endure painful experiments for different products, including cosmetics, medications, household goods, and pesticides.

3. Food Industry

Animals are subjected to routine mutilations, tail-docking, genetic manipulation techniques, violence, and inhumane treatment.

4. Animal Sports

One of the main victims of exploitation in sports activities is horses and dogs. Humans will take advantage and get a lot of money through these activities by enriching the gambling industry.

In light of these facts, all sentient animals have basic rights to life and well-being. There is a need to strengthen Environmental Education since childhood and acknowledge the necessity of coexistence and interdependence between mankind and animals aside from who is domineering in this universe.

"Animals should not require our permission to live on Earth. Animals were given the right to be here long before we arrived" -A.D. Williams in Inside the Divine Pattern

Thank you.