Our guest Heidi Crosky of the Virginia Animal Owners Alliance will talk about the grass roots group's efforts to protect animal ownership in her state and why everyone else in the country should pay attention. Like it or not, agriculture producers of animals and animal products realize they are always being scrutinized by animal activists and extremists. People that don't take the time to understand the industry or individual operations. Zoos are no exception, neither are pet breeders. In the Commonwealth of Virginia there is a quiet war being waged against all types of animal owners - including pet owners and folks may be a little surprised who is on the other side of the battle axe. While there will sadly be bad actors in any area of life, the vast majority of farmers, ranchers, breeders, and zoo keepers/owners/directors care deeply about the well being of animals; it is their livelihood! We therefore, suggest the listener take a closer look at the fundamental differences between animal welfare and the animal extremism philosophy: For the sake of clarity, the listener should consider the following definitions of animal welfare vs animal rights or extremism. Animal Welfare – Animal welfare includes all animals, whether used for food, companionship, or sport. It is based on a principle of animal ownership and reflects a commonsense approach that animals should be treated well, and animal cruelty is wrong. Animal welfare standards and guidelines for animal use and management are based on sound veterinary and animal husbandry experience, research, and practices. The AVMA views animal welfare as a, “…human responsibility that encompasses all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling, and, when necessary, humane euthanasia”. There should be no unnecessary suffering, including animals that provide for human needs. Animal Extremism - Animal extremists believe in an ideology that there is no distinction between animals and humans. They view animal ownership of any kind as exploitation and slavery. The true goal of Animal Extremist groups is to work for legislation and regulations only until all animals are no longer owned or utilized by human beings.
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Jul 11 20221 hr