A POLITICAL MANIFESTO FOR AN EMERGING IDEOLOGY THAT WILL DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY

For most people, the term "animal welfare" refers to a kind-hearted and somewhat quirky lifestyle choice. It is presented as an excessive emotional attachment to animals, usually to pets, kittens, and puppies.

Political Animal Welfare goes beyond this well-meaning behavior. Our fundamental position is that humanity's attitude towards animals will determine all great political issues. The protection of animals, their welfare, and their liberation from human bondage will ultimately decide whether we will have war or peace, democracy or authoritarianism, prosperity or poverty.

This claim certainly seems exaggerated. It does not rest on any of our experiences. We do not easily accept that the relationship between humans and animals is important for politics. We have grown accustomed to animals being on the sidelines, as fluffy companions, raw material bags, and spectacles. This may be the world we inherited. But it is not the one we will pass on.

Whoever condemns violence condemns both war and the torture of animals. Whoever fights for justice fights not only for human rights but also for the rights of animals. Whoever cares about the salvation of our planet must also desire the salvation of animals.

From the foreword by ROBERT GABEL

It is the fate of every truth to be ridiculed before it is recognized. Once, it was considered foolish to think that colored people are true human beings deserving of humane treatment. This "foolishness" is now self-evident truth. Today, the view that every living creature – down to the simplest form of life – has moral standing is seen as excessive. However, the time will come when people will be astonished that humanity took so long to recognize that it is impossible to consider "moral" the reckless harm done to all forms of life.

ALBERT SCHWEITZER