“The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but rather, Can they suffer?”
Other Issues
Animals in Our Society
There are many ways in which animals are used, exploited and killed. In fact, our very society is based upon their use and exploitation. Below we have compiled a list of organizations that have programs covering issues other than those on which APLNJ focuses.
APLNJ fully supports the idea that animals – all animals – are not here for our use. They are sentient individuals with inherent value who have the capacity to suffer and as such should be included in, not excluded from, our circle of compassion.
APLNJ promotes coexisting peacefully with animals and treating them with the respect and dignity they so rightly deserve. In a nutshell, APLNJ upholds that animals are not here for us to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment or exploit in any way.
Animals Used in Experiments
Across the U.S. millions of animals are held in laboratories for use in testing and experiments.
From testing personal care products, to psychological experiments to toxicity tests to drug testing, animals are used and abused in the most unimaginable ways. It is unethical to cause animals pain and suffering and APLNJ advocates for the use of humane replacements, such as in vitro cell cultures, computer modeling, and human volunteers.
Visit these organizations to learn more about this subject:
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
White Coat Waste Project
Rise for Animals
National Anti-Vivisection Society
American Anti-Vivisection Society
Help promote our new 1 min commercial. Share, email and tweet. Spread the word and learn more about the use of animals in experimentation. Click here, or on the image below, to view "Carly." (Note: commercial is not graphic)
Animals Used as Entertainment
Animals in zoos, circuses and more are deprived of a natural life. They are captive bred (or sometimes taken from the wild) to live a life in confinement - not allowed to experience normal behaviors for their species, in fact, made to perform acts that are completely unnatural for them. Elephants in the wild don't stand on their head, bears don't ride bicycles. They are forced to wear foolish costumes and made to perform demeaning acts for the pleasure of human beings. The cruelty in these industries is rampant. Thankfully, more and more people are saying NO to the use of animals in circuses, marine parks, roadside zoos and more. Read on to educate yourself on the plight of animals used in entertainment. (photo credit: ID 38455634 | Animal © Elena Vasilchenko | Dreamstime.com)
Animals Used as Food
Animals born and raised to be killed for the food industry live a short existence. It's not even a life. It is filled with cruelty, noise, overcrowding, fear, disease and suffering. The cruelty is beyond the imagination. Yet they are forced to live like that day in and day out until their miserable life is violently extinguished. There is no need for humans to eat animals. It's a myth perpetuated by the industries that gain from animal "farming." But it's all a lie. The plant-based revolution is growing. Veggie burgers, plant-based milks, fake meats and more abound like never before. Make the switch - for the animals, for yourself, for the planet.
Animal Companions
Puppy mills, dog fighting, and more are just some of the ways that animals, whom many of us hold dear as our companions, are exploited for profit.
Animals Used in Fashion
Fur. You've probably already decided that you would never wear fur. Great! But what about wool? Silk, down, leather? All these come with unseen suffering and death for millions of animals. In the 21st century, there is no need to wear any of those. Synthetic or natural options abound. Make the choice to keep cruelty out of your closet. Read more about each one below.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR ANIMALS
Animals are routinely deprived of their homes, their liberty and even their lives. Yet, they are not guaranteed a lawyer to speak on their behalf. Since 1989 Lawyers In Defense Of Animals, Inc. ("LIDA") has provided that voice in New Jersey.
