Etika Animalitas

Abstract

Why animal ethics? The importance of animal ethics for the Indonesian public is to respond to the extinction threat of some animal species in Indonesia, like Tiger in Sumatera, Orang Utan in Kalimantan, Anoa in Sulawesi, and Cendrawasih in Papua. The way humans consume animals is often cruel, causing pain and suffering on the part of the animals. Such an attitude indicates the lack of moral standing in animal sphere. Philosophically and theologically, animal has sentience and intrinsic values which with humans have to recognise as the moral standard for animal.Using the theological-ethical concept that human being was created in the image of God, which means that they are not only endowed with senses but also the intellect to make them moral standing creature, this article points to the capacity as well as responsibility of humans to the environment, specifically to the animal world (animalities). As such, animals have to be regarded as having moral standing in the context of human beings’moral attitude and treat. Animals have to be respected and loved morally because they have sense, sentience and intrinsic value. Animals have feeling of pleasure and suffering which with human beings must honor and make as a moral standard. Like human beings, animals have the right to enjoy contentment and to be protected as the good creatures created by God. Although consuming animals can be considered part of natural order and natural recycle, animals have the right to enjoy liberation and prosperity during they are living, and to be avoided from suffering. In this sense, life and death must be accepted in balance. As a conclusion, in relating to animals, humans should demonstrate the virtues of respect, love, justice, and restrained attitudes. Animal ethics, thus, concerns with the sustainability of the peace and welfare of the whole creation on the planet earth.