By Cristina Ruberte
The following are a series of reflective activities after reading the article "Brother Horse" by Elvira Lindo. The article was published in El País and the photograph is by Tolo Ramón.
http://elpais.com/elpais/2015/10/22/estilo/1445533395_512141.html
1.- (..)“That cruelty towards animals was not an isolated incident; it was part of a broader pattern of mistreatment of the weak, of the abuse by the strong against those who cannot and have no right to defend themselves. And that included children, women, the village simpletons, and clumsy boys.”
- What is cruelty?
- List of mistreated groups: Has anything changed in Spain? (laws, public opinion)
2.- a) What does civilization mean?
b) Are some societies more civilized than others? What characterizes them?
c) “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
Do you agree with this statement by M. Gandhi?
d) The author compares Spain with the rest of Europe. What is her opinion of our country? And yours?
3. You are a legislator. You have been tasked with drafting a new legal framework for Spain. What laws would you create for the following behaviors and activities? Justify your proposals.
– animal abuse
– animal shows
– the buying and selling of animals
– zoos and aquariums
– hunting and fishing
– hides (including leather)
– animal research
– food (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products)
4. Elvira Lindo speaks of animals' right to a dignified life and considers them "our brothers" of other species. From this perspective, how should we relate to animals? Would you change any of your laws?