The Orbis

Dr. Bernard Rollin, a professor of philosophy from Colorado State University and a recognized animal rights activist shed insights on the issue of animal rights with the emerging social conditions on Monday, March 23rd. The talk, a part of the chancellor's lecture series, was held in Vanderbilt University's Ingram Hall before an extremely informed audience.

Gordon Gee introduced Dr. Bernard Rollin, a recipient of the prestigious Brownlee Award and the author of the book 'Animals Rights and human morality, by talking about his exemplary work for the last thirty years.

Dr. Rollin started the lecture by pointing out the progress we have made in the last thirty years on the issues of animal rights. "In late 1970's there were 50-60 bills passed annually, now there are around 2100 states bills passed every year [in support of animal rights]," said Rollin.

Dr. Rollin got into the animal rights movement in the late 1970's when he became aware of the humiliating treatment received by animals used for medical research. The government then believed there was enough pain control administered on the animals and hence did not consider it an issue. "I did a research on animal papers published on animal pain control in American and found none. Today there are around 20,000 papers published on it," he said.

He explained that one of the main reasons for such an overwhelming improvement in the conditions of the animals used for medical research was the spreading awareness about animal mistreatment among the general population due to increasing media attention. Another important factor was the change in social paradigm for animals. "Animals are more seen as companions then food or labor by the society," said Rollin.

He stated that one of the major problems that animal rights activists have been unable to solve is the problem raised by the confinement agriculture industry. He pointed out "The decrease in the agriculture based population from 50% to 1.5% in the last 100 years has put a great pressure on increasing the agricultural output."

He explained that such a pressure has resulted into commercialization of agriculture. "People who own the animal factories are businessmen and accountants, not husbandry folks. As a result, the ethic of animal treatment is missing," said Rollin. He emphasized that the major reason why the confinement industry still exists is that the public is not aware of the severe mistreatment of animals taking place. 

Dr. Rollin asserted his belief in the society by saying, "If we cared enough to pass laboratory laws, with the portrayed risk that our children won't get cured, the confinement laws can most definitely be changed." He claimed that every individual can make a difference and contribute to the cause of animal rights by thinking about what he or she eats and being willing to spend the extra money to buy humane products. He threw accolades on Chipotle, a chain of over 600 restaurants all over the United States, for maximizing the sale of humane meat.  

 He urged the audience: "Think about animal rights and ethics, spread the knowledge, vote with your dollar, and most importantly take the trouble to do whatever you can to preserve our ancient contact with animals."

 The audience, impressed by the informative talk, followed up with several questions primarily focused on what they as individuals could do to help the animal rights movement.

Undergraduate Currin Berdine, Vice-president of the Vanderbilt's vegetarian society and also an active member of the animal rights organization said, "This talk is significant as it has got people talking and thinking about the issues of animal rights."

Article Tools