Where is the Balance? The Unfair Battle Between Humans and Animals

 

        The world is home to millions of species, yet one has taken dominion over all others—humans. We share our planet with countless animals, but somewhere along the way, we forgot to share it fairly. While humans continue to advance, building cities, technology, and industries, animals suffer under our dominance. Have we ever paused to ask ourselves: where is the balance? How are we different from animals? And more importantly, have we become too selfish to care about their existence?

The Difference Between Humans and Animals

Humans and animals are biologically different in many ways. Humans have complex language, reasoning, and emotions that allow us to create, innovate, and develop societies. We can communicate intricate thoughts, build civilizations, and shape our future. Animals, on the other hand, rely on instincts and survival mechanisms. But does that mean they are less deserving of kindness and respect?

While we have the ability to think ahead, solve problems, and modify our environment, animals are just as capable of feeling emotions. They experience love, fear, pain, and loss. A mother dog mourns her lost puppy just as a human mother would for her child. A bird builds its nest carefully, just as we construct our homes. The biggest difference is that humans have used their intelligence not just to improve their lives but to exploit animals for their benefit, often without remorse.

The Selfishness of Humanity

As humans, we prioritize our needs above everything else. We destroy forests to build houses, malls, and factories, leaving animals homeless. When wild animals seek shelter near our homes, we beat them, chase them away, or even kill them. We expand our roads and cities without considering that we are taking away their natural habitats. Have we ever wondered what it would feel like if someone demolished our home, leaving us to wander the streets in search of shelter?

Stray dogs and cats are prime examples of how humans treat animals with indifference. These animals roam the streets, constantly searching for food and water, yet many go days without a single meal. When they are weak and starving, instead of offering them help, people either ignore them or abuse them. Some become aggressive, not because they are naturally dangerous but because they have suffered so much. They are beaten just for sitting outside a house or sleeping under a shop’s shade.

The roads we have built for our convenience have become death traps for animals. Every day, countless dogs, cats, and other animals are hit by speeding vehicles, left to suffer in pain. Drivers rarely stop to check if the animal is alive or needs help; instead, they drive away as if nothing happened. If a human were hit, an entire crowd would gather, call an ambulance, and try to save the person. But for an injured animal, there is no concern, no sympathy—only indifference.

Are They Really Bad, or Are We Worse?

One of the biggest accusations against stray dogs and other animals is that they attack humans. People call them dangerous and demand their removal, often suggesting killing them as the solution. But why do these animals become aggressive? They fight for food, they defend themselves when they feel threatened, and they react when mistreated. Isn’t this what humans do as well?

But when we compare their behavior to ours, who truly appears worse? Animals fight for survival, yet humans commit crimes for greed, power, and personal pleasure. We steal, cheat, and even kill each other over money, land, and status. Humans rape, murder, and destroy lives without a second thought. If we call animals ‘bad’ for simply trying to live, then what do we call humans, who commit acts of violence and cruelty not for survival but for selfish reasons?

The Cruelty of the Meat Industry

Eating meat has been a part of the food chain for centuries, but the way we treat animals before their slaughter is horrifying. Factory farming has turned the meat industry into a nightmare for animals. Chickens, cows, and pigs are bred in cramped spaces, forced to live in misery until their final moments. They are transported in overcrowded trucks, where they suffer from dehydration, exhaustion, and injuries before reaching slaughterhouses. The cruelty they endure is unimaginable.

Animals in slaughterhouses know their fate. They see their fellow creatures being killed before them. The fear in their eyes, the way they tremble, is unbearable to witness. They cry, they struggle, but they cannot escape. If we were in their place, wouldn’t we feel the same fear and pain? The difference is that we have the privilege of making choices, while they do not. They are born only to be used and discarded by humans.

Do Animals Feel Like We Do?

Many people believe that animals do not feel pain, grief, or joy as humans do. But this is far from the truth. Elephants mourn their dead and visit the bones of their lost family members years after their passing. Dogs show unconditional love and loyalty, even after being mistreated. Cows form close bonds with their young and cry when they are taken away. Dolphins and whales communicate in ways that are still a mystery to us, showing a deep connection with their families.

Despite all this evidence, humans continue to ignore the emotions and suffering of animals. We treat them as objects, not as living beings with feelings. We take away their homes, use them for work without rest, kill them for our comfort, and abandon them when they are no longer useful.

Where is the Balance?

If we continue on this path, what kind of world are we creating? A world where only human comfort matters, where animals are disposable, where cruelty is normal? Is that the kind of civilization we are proud of?

We must ask ourselves: is it really necessary to exploit animals to this extent? Can we not coexist without destroying them? Finding a balance between human progress and animal welfare is essential. We must:

1. Show Compassion: Instead of ignoring injured or hungry animals, take a moment to help. A small act of kindness can mean the world to them.

2. Adopt, Don’t Shop: Instead of buying expensive pets, adopt homeless animals and give them a second chance at life.

3. Support Ethical Practices: Choose brands and industries that treat animals humanely and avoid products that contribute to animal cruelty.

4. Be Responsible: Drive carefully, avoid hitting animals on the road, and stop to help if you see an injured one.

5. Educate Others: Spread awareness about the importance of animal welfare and encourage people to treat animals with kindness.

The earth belongs to all living beings, not just humans. We were given intelligence and power, but with that comes responsibility. If we continue to act selfishly, ignoring the suffering of the creatures we share this planet with, then we must ask ourselves—are we truly the superior species, or are we the most ruthless of all?

By: Jaspreet Kaur