We take cruelty statutes for granted now，but it"s easy to forget how revolutionary they are as legal constructs.To an extent that would have amazed an earlier age，the laws of advanced societies now prohibit random acts of cruelty.
More than 100million animals shot for sport each year by hunters.Millions more killed in steel-jawed leghold traps or on factories for their fur.Tens of millions of animals used in animal tests and experimentation.Hundreds of thousands of dogs reared on puppy mill operations to feed the pet trade，while there are millions of healthy and adoptable animals at animal shelters and from breed rescue groups.50greyhound tracks to operate，with thousands of greyhounds discarded each year by an industry that values the animals as racing machines not companion animals.
Let"s take a look at our language reinforces the use of animals.In talking about animals，some refer to them as"game to be harvested on a sustained yield basis"or in a factory farm setting as"units of production"or in a laboratory setting as"tools for research".Our language reflects our biases.More than that，it reflects the human capacity for denial.I am often struck by critics of animal causes who saythat we need to put aside sentimentality and be"realists."In truth，they are theones who deny basic realities above all the reality that animals are not just products，or commodities，or targets，or resources，but instead living creatures with moral claims of their own.
These attitudes become more dangerous and damaging to animals every day，as wegrow in population and multiply our destructive behaviors.
Humans have been on the planet for 2million years.It took us until 1850to reach a worldwide population of 1billion.The population doubled 90years later in 1940.By 1960just 20years later we added another billion.And by 1974，we had eclipsed the 4billion mark.It took use just 13years to reach 5billion.And in 1999，we hit the 6billion mark.
We are at 6.4billion and climbing.All on a relatively small planet，with 70percent of its surface area covered by water.Of the land area，much of it is rock and ice.We are crowding out wild animals，and killing more animals in the wild and killing more animals raised for our use than ever before to feed our demands for food，clothing and other products.
You have the power to change this.
An active concern for animals is not some onerous duty or sacrifice，but in fact a moral opportunity to make our own live better……when we turn away from all cruelty and abuse of animals，we"re better off for it.
We also have a role to play in educating people about the uses of animals.Most people have kind instincts.Many simply don"t know what"s happening.Each of us should be an ambassador for animals and educate friends，family members，and other members of the community about the plight of animals.
On that point，it is heartening to see such brisk activity at law schools throughout the nation on animal rights.Courses are nowtaught on animal law in major law schools，and aspiring attorneys want to work in animal law.
Spaying or neutering your companion or convincing a friend to do so prevents a litter of puppies who may not find homes.Choosing a vegetarian option for a singlemeal or a single lifetime means fewer animals will be reared and consigned to life in an animal factory.
Every merciful act，whether large or small，isolated or part of a patternof activity，matters.Emily Dickenson wrote"，If I can stop one heart from
breaking，I shall not live in vain；if I can ease one life the aching，or cool one pain，or help one fainting robin into his nest again，I shall not live in vain."
Thank you.
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