The Human-Animal Bond

It is impossible to know the full extent of human-animal interactions in pre-historic times, but cave drawings dating back 40,000 years imply we both hunted and worshipped animals. In the millennia since there have been vast changes in those interactions, mostly owing to our transition from hunter-gatherer to agriculture-domestication, and while some are positive, such as protections and rights, they unfortunately exist alongside neglect and abuse. This dichotomy calls to mind the adage (often attributed to Gandhi): “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Here in the United States, the path toward greatness is an ongoing effort animated by three reinforcing approaches. One is activism, with a well-known example being the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Another is legislation, the most prominent instance of which is the Animal Welfare Act. Last is litigation, brought by non-profit organizations such as the Animal Legal Defense Fund. These three approaches have helped advance the nation’s moral progress because they recognize our obligation to respect nonhuman life, and they share a deep commitment to treat animals with kindness.

Findings from anthrozoology indicate that the human-animal bond is innate; more precisely, the fields of sociobiology and evolutionary psychology suggest that as we anthropomorphize we forge connections with other creatures. Put another way, Anatole France famously wrote, “Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” We will not return to ancient animisms, but if we love and awaken, I believe we can eventually bring an end to animal mistreatment.