Euroviews. How we treat animals is — and will be — key to our own survival

In 1985, Ingrid Newkirk, the founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) entities worldwide, said, “When it comes to having a central nervous system and the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a rat is a pig is a dog is a boy.” Many were incredulous and mocked her statement.

A few decades on, the idea that all animals have physical needs and the capacity to experience suffering the way humans do is not such a wild thought. 

After all, we share a common ancestor with other vertebrates — not only mammals but amphibians and reptiles, too. We all evolved from a fish-like animal who lived in water. 

Through gradual changes, the first land vertebrates emerged. Palaeontologist Neil Shubin — author of the book "Your Inner Fish", about our 375-million-year-old ancestors — observes how human hands bear a resemblance to fossilised amphibian fins and how our various other body parts correspond to those of ancient jellyfish and other sea animals.

Ethologists have confirmed more similarities between humans and other animals, from whales to invertebrates like bees. They describe animals as sentient, intelligent beings who express emotional states. 

Research reveals that bees appear to dream and may experience something like post-traumatic stress disorder in response to a negative experience. They can also count, learn abstract concepts, and play.

We now know that chickens are clever and cunning, pigs can be taught to play video games, and fish form friendships. 

Animal behaviourists also tell us that cows grieve and octopuses experience emotional pain. And heroic actions, sometimes caught on camera, prove that dogs will risk their own lives to save a loved one.

With so many similarities between humans and other animals,