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Animal Rights History Timeline » [1785-1837] Romantic Age » European Magazine

On Cruelty Towards Animals

European Magazine and London Review

[1786-Nov] [C. T. O.], "On Cruelty Towards Animals," European Magazine 10 (1786-Nov) 321-323; Google Books: Online Library of Free eBooks

When we trample upon the rights of creation, and make the noblest animals our playthings; I cannot but think were are cherishing the worst part of our nature, extinguishing our finer feelings, and reducing ourselves of as low a state as the animals we take so much pains to abuse.

A poor man is told neither by his education (for perhaps he has had none), nor by the laws of his country, for they are silent, that the deed is wrong. From the narrowness of his mind, and the bluntness of his moral affections, together with the influence of custom, he perhaps has never though of asking himself the question, or consulting his own heart upon the occasion. On acts of this nature were the law to interfere, they would soon learn their duty, and an amendment would soon take place; compulsion would soon be succeeded by readiness, and afterwards a pleasure in obeying.—I cannot but observe, the if there is any law existing of this kind, it would be much to the credit of those in power to have it immediately put into execution; fi there is not, it is high time that there should be one, which might either by fine, imprisonment, or corporal punishment, put a stop to such a national disgrace.