On average, a human who consumes meat and fish harms throughout his/her life a total of 20,000 animals. And the total number of animals harmed each year is much greater than the sum of all humans who throughout history have suffered injustice, hunger, poverty, illness, physical pain and other forms of suffering. To grasp the scale, the latter is like castle wall, while the former is like the Great Wall of China, which stretches 21,000 km long and can even be seen from the Moon.

Some anthropocentric individuals might argue that animals cannot be compared to humans. Of course, they can be compared! After all, both share the only relevant characteristic for comparison: they all have the capacity to feel and suffer. It’s like comparing trucks to ships, as both are types of vehicles capable of carrying loads.

Read LIVE WITHOUT HARMING: Say no to exploitative anthropocentrism

Some may argue that harming animals is natural. And it is, just like everything else that occurs in nature: slavery, human sacrifice, the systematic rape of women in wars and countless others. What is natural is quite often cruel and painful. Therefore, natural is not necessarily synonymous with good or right.

What can an ethical and empathetic person do to put an end to these cruelties?

1.- UNDERSTAND them. The reason for so much cruelty is partly self-serving opportunism, but also the widespread ignorance about the details of the suffering animals endure. There are plenty of good people who, if they knew what was really happening, would not take part in these abuses. Therefore, the first step is to read and/or watch videos to become properly informed on this issue.

AVOID HARM! Open your eyes and face injustice

LIVE WITHOUT HARMING: Do not be opportunistic

2.- REBEL, that is, slam your fist on the table and shout “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”

3.- SHARE so that others can also become aware of the scope and seriousness of this problem.

AVOID HARM! Share and persuade so that they do not cause harm

4.- EDUCATE children and teenagers in the ethics of kindness, in a culture of respect, and in the principle of not harming any sentient being, except in legitimate self-defense. Young minds are like molten metal, easily shaped.

AVOID HARMING! Educate children in the ethics of kindness

Read Avoid HARM!

5.- Choose VEGAN OPTIONS in your diet. They are not only healthier, but also more affordable and environmentally friendly.

FOR A WORLD WITHOUT HARM: Choose vegan options

6.- VOTE for anti-cruelty political parties.

7.- SIGN this campaign to urge all governments to protect animals and recognize their rights. Sign…

And others in favor of animal rights: you can find some here and others in our different articles on animal abuse. Access…

8.- CONVINCE people around you not to harm any sentient being and is therefore susceptible to experiencing pain and discomfort.

9.- DONATE money, both to the Well-Being Institute and to NGOs that are doing excellent work in animal advocacy, such as Animal Equality or PETA.

10.- BECOME A VOLUNTEER.

BE COMPASSIONATE AND GOOD PEOPLE!

Thank you for applying this Decalogue to achieve a world with less cruelty and more kindness, less suffering and more happiness.