On International Women’s Day (to many still known as Women’s Day) Today, March 8we decided to talk about three women who have left their mark on the subject of animal rights.
These are three different figures, who have in common, not simply sex, but intense and constant activity to support the rights of our animal friends (pet or not).
However, before tracing these three profiles, it seems necessary to clarify what is meant by the expression Animal rights, often used improperly.
Universal Declaration of Animal Rights
How many times, leafing through a newspaper, sifting through the various social message boards, watching a newscast, do we hear about animal rights: what is it about?
The expression in question refers to the extension to other animal species of what are considered fundamental human rights (in the legal and moral sense). This is a more radical position than animalism alone: in this case, solidarity is not simply expressed towards them, but rights are attributed to them.
this idea, dating back to the 18th centuryis the basis of Universal Declaration of Animal Rightsbut it was signed only in 1978 in Paris by L.I.D.A and other international associations. The purpose of this declaration is to take a philosophical position – legally valid – on relationships between humans and animalsemphasizing how the human being is not at the head of a hierarchy established by him, but is part of and must share fundamental rights with other animal species.
This document is still subject to criticism by some animal welfare associations.
Ingrid Newkirk: The president of PETA
The first personality we mention is that of Ingrid NewkirkBritish human rights activist and chairwoman and founding member of the PETA (People for the The Ethical Treatment of Animals).
After having traveled the world and having had the opportunity to realize how much animals are not considered as living beings, the woman decided to make a concrete commitment first by working in shelters, then by joining forces with those of Alex Pacheco to create PETA.
Ingrid is still very active in the field of animal rights today. Despite the numerous criticisms that the cases defended attract, the woman is not discouraged and continue your battle.
Brigitte Bardot: from the big screen to the fight for animals
As a film personality he needs no introduction – the fame of BB (abbreviation of name and surname) is known throughout the world. What we want to celebrate today about this strong woman, who is never afraid to speak her mind, is the commitment to animal rights that has always accompanied his career in parallel as an actress, model and singer.
In 1962, Brigitte began to fight for animal rights. This cause, which is so important to her, led her, in 1986, to create a foundation of her own in her name with the aim of protect animals with funding obtained through auctions of objects, jewels and personal effects.
His Brigitte Bardot Foundation deals with the financing of shelters on French soil. Even today, the foundation deals with national and international causes, boasting among its honorary members also the Dalai Lama.
Pamela Anderson: a constant commitment to the defense of animals
Our third personality is also from the world of cinema. It’s about Pamela Andersonwhich never misses an opportunity for the public defense of animal rights, often causing quite a stir.
In January 2016, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation invited Pamela Anderson to speak in front of the French Senate, in favor of a bill for the protection of ducks and geese. In the same year, Ingrid Newkirk also publicly thanked and praised Anderson’s activism for the animal cause.