change a word ~ change a life
be a guardian ~ not an owner
”The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man”
~ Charles Darwin ~
~ Charles Darwin ~
The Guardian Campaign promotes the use of the term "guardian" instead of "owner" when referring to our animal companions. More than an exercise in semantics, this shift promotes a more compassionate relationship between person and animal.
In the past, animals were recognised in legal terms as mere commodities or property, not as individual beings, and often their exploitation and abuse was ignored, rationalised and even justified.
Not that long ago women, children and others were seen, in legal terms, as merely property. Finally, it's time to acknowledge that animals, too are worth something more than their price tag.
Although the term guardian does not change any legal standing, guardian denotes a high level of responsibility for the care, welfare, treatment and quality of life of an animal in our charge.
Change one word and you can change a life.
By changing one word in your vocabulary today, you have the power to change the perception of our animal companions forever. So be a guardian, not an owner and you'll be making a world of difference.
There may be those who oppose the term "guardian" for fear of elevating animals to a position of respect. These will most likely be people who currently profit from inflicting misery and pain on our animal friends.
Thankfully, this is countered by the increasing number of individuals, organisations and charities around the world, committed to compassionate and responsible animal care, which includes embracing the term "animal guardian".
It is important to note that this update in language must supplement and strengthen, not replace, other animal welfare and protection efforts.
You can download the "Guardian Campaign" by visiting the website here: http://www.guardiancampaign.co.uk/default.html
In the past, animals were recognised in legal terms as mere commodities or property, not as individual beings, and often their exploitation and abuse was ignored, rationalised and even justified.
Not that long ago women, children and others were seen, in legal terms, as merely property. Finally, it's time to acknowledge that animals, too are worth something more than their price tag.
Although the term guardian does not change any legal standing, guardian denotes a high level of responsibility for the care, welfare, treatment and quality of life of an animal in our charge.
Change one word and you can change a life.
By changing one word in your vocabulary today, you have the power to change the perception of our animal companions forever. So be a guardian, not an owner and you'll be making a world of difference.
There may be those who oppose the term "guardian" for fear of elevating animals to a position of respect. These will most likely be people who currently profit from inflicting misery and pain on our animal friends.
Thankfully, this is countered by the increasing number of individuals, organisations and charities around the world, committed to compassionate and responsible animal care, which includes embracing the term "animal guardian".
It is important to note that this update in language must supplement and strengthen, not replace, other animal welfare and protection efforts.
You can download the "Guardian Campaign" by visiting the website here: http://www.guardiancampaign.co.uk/default.html
”The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
~ Mahatma Gandhi ~
~ Mahatma Gandhi ~
Being a guardian means:
Making a conscious decision to call yourself a "guardian" rather than an "owner".
Making a lifetime commitment to your animal companions.
Never purchasing animals from pet shops or puppy farms, and wherever possible adopting from a rescue organisation or shelter.
Spaying or neutering your animals for their health and to prevent over-population.
Providing nutritious foods, fresh water and daily exercise for animals in your care.
Caring for the emotional needs of your animal companions.
Referring to them as "he" or "she" and not "it".
Did you know...
It's estimated that one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years.
One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years.
Watch this video and see what actor, artist and animal welfare campaigner, Pierce Brosnan has to say...
Making a conscious decision to call yourself a "guardian" rather than an "owner".
Making a lifetime commitment to your animal companions.
Never purchasing animals from pet shops or puppy farms, and wherever possible adopting from a rescue organisation or shelter.
Spaying or neutering your animals for their health and to prevent over-population.
Providing nutritious foods, fresh water and daily exercise for animals in your care.
Caring for the emotional needs of your animal companions.
Referring to them as "he" or "she" and not "it".
Did you know...
It's estimated that one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years.
One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years.
Watch this video and see what actor, artist and animal welfare campaigner, Pierce Brosnan has to say...