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At The Heart Of Things
“To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order;
to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order;
to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our
personal life; to do that we must first set our hearts right.”
~ Confucius
by Betsy Seeton
It is this very concept about which Confucius wrote that is at the core – at the heart - of my brand of activism. I believe, as Confucius implied, it is the individual hearts of humankind that must change to bring change. The human heart must embrace a broader and deeper compassion for all life. Old ways of thinking and “of being” need to change and evolve.
The inhumane treatment and living conditions of hundreds of thousands of animals on farms, in zoos, with circus performing animals, roadside attractions, animal breeders, exotic animal ownership, along with the brutal deaths of animals to fill the demand for animal organs, fur, body parts, ivory, horns and even blood (medicinal and ritual uses) must first be recognized as abuse, and as inhumane, before it can change, and before it will ever end. A paradigm shift in the animal and human relationship is essential.
A new breed of human must emerge out of the greater understanding that indisputably exists about how animals truly "feel" and how they experience a wide range of emotions and pain. Their experiences are as important to them as ours are to us. Their wants in life are much the same as ours. They want food, shelter, good health and happiness. They don't want to be hit, hurt, injured, used and abused. But without an immediate paradigm shift in the way humans regard them, animals needlessly and shamefully suffer unimaginably egregious pain at the hands of their human handlers and guardians. Human ignorance and greed must begin to spur outrage and ultimately be wholly unacceptable by the masses.
I support well designed (and competently enforced) legislation that ensures humane treatment of animals, as well as laws that guarantee rights to animals, but what also must coexist with these laws and regulations are human souls with hearts that will demand humanity and justice for animals. The hearts of people must be strong enough and loud enough to speak for the voiceless; to not silently stand by when animals are being abused, neglected and denied basic rights. No more turning a blind eye.
SUMMARY
The vast number of animals suffering on this planet due to outdated notions, ignorance and greed must, as Jane Goodall says, be overcome. It must not be tolerated. It is no myth that animals feel deeply. It’s also not anthropomorphism. It’s real. Humans must rethink their treatment of animals and revamp their entire view of what is in the best interest of animals if we ever hope to restore the animal kingdom to its optimal and rightful place on this planet that we all share.
It is this very concept about which Confucius wrote that is at the core – at the heart - of my brand of activism. I believe, as Confucius implied, it is the individual hearts of humankind that must change to bring change. The human heart must embrace a broader and deeper compassion for all life. Old ways of thinking and “of being” need to change and evolve.
The inhumane treatment and living conditions of hundreds of thousands of animals on farms, in zoos, with circus performing animals, roadside attractions, animal breeders, exotic animal ownership, along with the brutal deaths of animals to fill the demand for animal organs, fur, body parts, ivory, horns and even blood (medicinal and ritual uses) must first be recognized as abuse, and as inhumane, before it can change, and before it will ever end. A paradigm shift in the animal and human relationship is essential.
A new breed of human must emerge out of the greater understanding that indisputably exists about how animals truly "feel" and how they experience a wide range of emotions and pain. Their experiences are as important to them as ours are to us. Their wants in life are much the same as ours. They want food, shelter, good health and happiness. They don't want to be hit, hurt, injured, used and abused. But without an immediate paradigm shift in the way humans regard them, animals needlessly and shamefully suffer unimaginably egregious pain at the hands of their human handlers and guardians. Human ignorance and greed must begin to spur outrage and ultimately be wholly unacceptable by the masses.
I support well designed (and competently enforced) legislation that ensures humane treatment of animals, as well as laws that guarantee rights to animals, but what also must coexist with these laws and regulations are human souls with hearts that will demand humanity and justice for animals. The hearts of people must be strong enough and loud enough to speak for the voiceless; to not silently stand by when animals are being abused, neglected and denied basic rights. No more turning a blind eye.
SUMMARY
The vast number of animals suffering on this planet due to outdated notions, ignorance and greed must, as Jane Goodall says, be overcome. It must not be tolerated. It is no myth that animals feel deeply. It’s also not anthropomorphism. It’s real. Humans must rethink their treatment of animals and revamp their entire view of what is in the best interest of animals if we ever hope to restore the animal kingdom to its optimal and rightful place on this planet that we all share.
EXOTIC ANIMALS DO NOT BELONG IN
CAPTIVITY FOR PETS OR PROFIT
.
CLICK ON THE PARROT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
WHY EXOTIC ANIMALS SHOULD REMAIN IN THE WILD
You can buy anything you want through the internet....
The internet in all its wonder and good stuff also brings ease to many black market and covert operations through its obscurity and relative anonymity. Terrorist organizations use it to communicate and carry out directives. Deviants use it to find their illegal pleasures. Bomb recipes are shared. Propaganda and hate are spread. And here we see exotic animals and native wildlife being bought and sold.
The internet in all its wonder and good stuff also brings ease to many black market and covert operations through its obscurity and relative anonymity. Terrorist organizations use it to communicate and carry out directives. Deviants use it to find their illegal pleasures. Bomb recipes are shared. Propaganda and hate are spread. And here we see exotic animals and native wildlife being bought and sold.
You can find any animal on the planet for sale on the internet -- illegal and/or endangered - it doesn't matter. Tigers parted out like a salvaged automobile can get fetch $40,000 or more. (The tiger penis is served up in select high end Chinese restaurants for $5,000 a plate to men believing its superstitious 'Viagra' results.)
If someone is willing to buy, someone else is willing to supply...
Animals are bought and sold for canned hunts here in the U.S. There are over 1000 canned hunts in operation. These are fenced in hunting grounds stocked with exotic animals from around the globe. It's fish-in-a barrel-type killing.
Other exotic animal markets cater to people's extreme curiosity, ego and twisted "love" for animals. I say twisted because real love for these exotic animals would allow them to be free and to roam in their natural habitat instead of being caged and fenced in. Many (not ALL) exotic pet owners have no understanding of how to care for these animals or they run out of funding resulting in cruelly inadequate housing that condemns these gorgeous creatures to a hellish life.
Animals are bought and sold for canned hunts here in the U.S. There are over 1000 canned hunts in operation. These are fenced in hunting grounds stocked with exotic animals from around the globe. It's fish-in-a barrel-type killing.
Other exotic animal markets cater to people's extreme curiosity, ego and twisted "love" for animals. I say twisted because real love for these exotic animals would allow them to be free and to roam in their natural habitat instead of being caged and fenced in. Many (not ALL) exotic pet owners have no understanding of how to care for these animals or they run out of funding resulting in cruelly inadequate housing that condemns these gorgeous creatures to a hellish life.
BULL ELK FOR SALE $4,500 (This is not an 'exotic' animal but it's probably being sold for canned hunting.)
Item Price: $4500.00
Location: Rocksprings, TX
Quantity of Males:
Quantity of Females:
Vaccinations:
Product Details: We have several bull elk for sale. All sizes available. This bull is between 350"-360".
Free delivery within 100 miles.
Location: Rocksprings, TX
Quantity of Males:
Quantity of Females:
Vaccinations:
Product Details: We have several bull elk for sale. All sizes available. This bull is between 350"-360".
Free delivery within 100 miles.
KINKAJOUS FOR SALE $1300
Ad Text: 1 yr old female kinkajou for sale to knowledgeable home or zoo/wildlife program. Serious inquiries only, please do not contact if you have no experience with these animals. She is sweet, needs a large cage. (SHE DOESN'T NEED A CAGE!!! SHE NEEDS TO LIVE IN THE WILD! WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE??!)
The kinkajou (Potos flavus) is not an endangered species, though it is seldom seen by people because of its strict nocturnal habits. However, they are hunted for the illegal pet trade, for their fur (to make wallets and horse saddles) and for their meat.
The kinkajou (Potos flavus) is not an endangered species, though it is seldom seen by people because of its strict nocturnal habits. However, they are hunted for the illegal pet trade, for their fur (to make wallets and horse saddles) and for their meat.
HYENA FOR SALE FOR $5000
Hyena: Out of Africa's savannahs south of the Sahara Desert, hyenas roam. Portrayed as cowards and scavengers, instead these disproportionately powerful hyenas can drop zebras and chase lions from their kill. Hyenas hunt and chase prey in packs at night driving quarry to fatigue, mount the victim and disembowel it. Hyenas rest in cooler rocky dens or dirt holes in daytime. Well known for their boisterous maniacal laughing sounds, they also hurl cries, and bloodcurdling howls.
For Sale: Striped Hyena
For Sale: Striped Hyena
Comment
SOOOOOOOOOOOOO I dont understand u? please help me; u can ride ur pet elephant but people cant adopt a zebra? Please tell me u are not pathetic Peta or the idiots saving the planet and trees but yet burn lumber mills or the anti abortionist butwho murders the dr. who performs abortions; if soooooooooooooooooo ur message simply a worldly messge of hate and confusion and hyprocrisy!! I love zebras they r now bred domestically and make great pets. Too bad if this is not in agreement with u, but u, r not GOD!!IF U CAN DO NOOOOOOOOOO GOOD;;;;;;;;;;;THEN SURELY DO NO HARM" AMEN!! :)
My Reply
Hello Sharon,
You are so full of anger. I do not have a pet elephant. That elephant was at a sanctuary in Thailand where animals are treated very well after having been displaced working elephants. I stay in touch with the organization where "my" elephant lives. It was an educational experience. Taking part in that is not hypocrisy.
If you want to communicate your opinion, you would be more effective to not be yelling, unless that's all you want to accomplish. You have a right to your opinion, as I do to mine. Having an opinion does not make one god. I choose to write down my opinion and use a website to publish my thoughts and my vision of what will make the planet, for all life, a better place.
There may well be a side to domesticating zebras that I do not understand. I am willing to learn. I see so many animals around the world being used for human entertainment and I read compelling articles on how zebras in the wild are best left in the wild. They are amazing animals, as you well know.The next time you want to express yourself, try a gentler approach if you truly want to help someone learn.
If all you want to do is rant, then you've accomplished that. If you actually want to persuade someone or influence someone or teach someone, then a different approach would be better.
I live quite consistently by my words. I believe in walking the talk.
Sincerely,
Betsy Seeton
Comment
You say all that but u ride ELEPHANTS!Zebras live longer in fair sized enclosures,then in the wild.they don't get eaten by anything then.
I'm not yelling,but I think that Zebras would
make great pets. if you think that riding/adopting a zebra is a bad idea,tell that to the directer of "Racing Stripes".
Though you do make an OK point.
Danny
You say all that but u ride ELEPHANTS!Zebras live longer in fair sized enclosures,then in the wild.they don't get eaten by anything then.
I'm not yelling,but I think that Zebras would
make great pets. if you think that riding/adopting a zebra is a bad idea,tell that to the directer of "Racing Stripes".
Though you do make an OK point.
Danny
My Reply
Hi Danny,
Thanks for dropping a note. Philosophically, I believe that wild animals, and zebras are still wild animals, belong in their natural habitat whenever possible. I disagree with the humans who want to domesticate them for their own use, pleasure or entertainment. An animal who lives in captivity, if it is healthy enough to live in the wild, doesn't get to experience the life it was meant to live. I don't think a longer life fenced in compares in value to a life of freedom.
The elephant I rode in Thailand lives at a well operated sanctuary and has been around humans his entire life. He could not be released back into the wild. I would not try to take an elephant from the wild and turn him into a pet. I don't support owning any exotic animal. I understand the intrigue people have for animals -- all animals. It's just misguided love to try fencing them in and making them pets - in my opinion. I'm sure those who sell and buy zebras and who make their money around zebras would disagree with me.
Betsy
Hi Danny,
Thanks for dropping a note. Philosophically, I believe that wild animals, and zebras are still wild animals, belong in their natural habitat whenever possible. I disagree with the humans who want to domesticate them for their own use, pleasure or entertainment. An animal who lives in captivity, if it is healthy enough to live in the wild, doesn't get to experience the life it was meant to live. I don't think a longer life fenced in compares in value to a life of freedom.
The elephant I rode in Thailand lives at a well operated sanctuary and has been around humans his entire life. He could not be released back into the wild. I would not try to take an elephant from the wild and turn him into a pet. I don't support owning any exotic animal. I understand the intrigue people have for animals -- all animals. It's just misguided love to try fencing them in and making them pets - in my opinion. I'm sure those who sell and buy zebras and who make their money around zebras would disagree with me.
Betsy
From:
Name
tatiana giron
Email
[email protected]
Comment
zebras are so cute i even think that people should go and buy zebras because they are so cute and adorable to have and i even might go buy a zebra today right away.
Name
tatiana giron
[email protected]
Comment
zebras are so cute i even think that people should go and buy zebras because they are so cute and adorable to have and i even might go buy a zebra today right away.
MY REPLY
Steven Lopez or tatiana giron does not have an email address that works. The person is so gutless they have to write an email without being able to be contacted. I have no respect for people like this.
Here's my response:
To tatiana giron:
You take the time to write an intentionally mean spirited email just to shove your thoughtless and ignorant message in my face, but don't have the decency to leave a real email address.
Zebras are adorable. Tigers are gorgeous. Leopards are spectacular. Elephants are amazing. Animals all over the planet are wonderful creatures and grace us with much beauty, but those aren't reasons to hold them in captivity. I feel sorry for any zebra who would end up with you. You must be a very angry and unhappy person.
Betsy
Steven Lopez or tatiana giron does not have an email address that works. The person is so gutless they have to write an email without being able to be contacted. I have no respect for people like this.
Here's my response:
To tatiana giron:
You take the time to write an intentionally mean spirited email just to shove your thoughtless and ignorant message in my face, but don't have the decency to leave a real email address.
Zebras are adorable. Tigers are gorgeous. Leopards are spectacular. Elephants are amazing. Animals all over the planet are wonderful creatures and grace us with much beauty, but those aren't reasons to hold them in captivity. I feel sorry for any zebra who would end up with you. You must be a very angry and unhappy person.
Betsy