by Kristin Jackman

Created on: July 12, 2008

A few weeks back the Spanish Parliament passed a resolution that would alter the way their government system would view non-human primate species worldwide. Basically, our distant kin would be treated with the same respect and rights as people are, making them equal in every aspect of the word.

But what does this really mean? It means that, at least in Spain, primates are federally protected from animal testing, abuse, neglect, commercializing, and pet trade agreements (both legal and illegal). Finally, right?

It seems, however, that the only opposition to such a dramatic new statute comes from hailing creationist who view this monumental step as a slap in the eyes of the Bible and religion. What they fail to see is that giving wildlife some much-need aid so that they may succeed and live longer, fuller lives doesn't reject the idea held in some people's eyes that we were all molded from the hand of a greater being, but rather it implies that widespread procurement and enrichment of wildlife is a good thing. Seriously people, being selfless and caring for someone or something other than yourself is a plus, especially in the eyes of that certain somebody you drag yourself to beg forgiveness from every Sunday. See... I know you hate going too.

It is rather discouraging though that in this day and age there are is still an epidemic of animal cruelty on a level that is completely insurmountable. From elephants being whipped and jabbed into obedience so they may perform in circus shows, to capuchin monkeys doting toddler pull-ups so they don't mess in a house built for domesticated cats and dogs, the devastating blows to animal safety is still on the rise. What we neglect or deny is only getting worse, regardless of whether or not anyone's doing anything about it.

And yes, call me bias for giving the Spanish government a standing ovation at their attempt to make right laws that are fully lacking a well-rounded base. I can only hope that other judicial entities will follow suit, but I know that that may fall on deaf ears. Every day I hear of the ruthless "removal" of wildlife from overpopulated residential developments because they are labeled a nuisance to the human population that has, in all honesty, invaded their humble dwellings to begin with. What happens to them is tragic. Being so incredibly close-minded has sadly made us blind to reality. We are, in essence, a result of our own tunneled creation, and we probably won't ever completely change.

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