We need to rethink how we treat animals and the ethical responsibilities we have toward them

BY KAHA GEDI

Many people believe that humans are the only species that possess morality. However, recent studies in animal behavior are challenging this idea. Researchers have observed animals, from monkeys to rats, acting in ways that show empathy, fairness, and cooperation, which are traits considered as moral emotions. These findings suggest that animals might not just be acting only on instincts, but instead are motivated by feelings that guide their actions in ways similar to how humans make moral decisions.

A study in animal behavior called “Monkeys Reject Unequal Pay” (by primatologist Frans de Waal and Sarah Brosnan (2003), showed how capuchin monkeys expressed strong reactions when they saw others being rewarded more than they were for the same task. In some cases, the monkeys even refused to continue working when they felt the reward wasn’t fair. This shows that the monkeys were aware of fairness and wanted to be treated fairly in comparison to the other monkeys. Similarly, rats have been seen helping other rats escape from traps, even if it means no reward for themselves. This act of helping is believed to come from empathy (a basic emotional response that is connected to moral actions).

“Animals may not speak our language, but their actions reveal empathy, fairness, and care.” – Marc Bekoff, The Animal Manifesto”

Furthermore, in the book “The Animal Manifesto” by biologist Marc Bekoff, he supports this idea, stating that in most studies of animal behavior, more than 90% of their actions are cooperative, or prosocial, meaning they are: helpful, kind, or empathetic. While animals can be aggressive, or fight over resources, they don’t tend to engage in cruelty for no reason. Unlike humans, animals don’t wage wars, or invade other groups just for power, or control. Bekoff argues that animals are naturally inclined toward cooperation and empathy, not violence, or selfishness.

Well, if animals do have moral emotions, this must change how we think about our responsibility, or treatment toward them. It’s not just about preventing them from suffering; it’s also about respecting their ability to form connections, show empathy, and act fairly. Denying them the chance to express these emotions or placing them in situations where they can’t act morally, creates a moral dilemma for us.

Regardless of this newfound information, pet owners, or people who take care of animals should treat them with respect, kindness and care, no matter if they have moral emotions, or not. It is too often, when humans that supposedly have innate moral emotions, treat animals immorally.

In conclusion, animals may not have the exact same expressions of morality as humans, but they do show signs of empathy, fairness, and care for others. This means we should not only be concerned with their physical well-being, but also their emotional and social lives too. By recognizing that animals can feel and act in these ways, we need to rethink how we treat them and the ethical responsibilities we have toward them.