The animal welfare group In Defense Of Animals has declared May as Animal Guardian month. The purpose of the campaign is to redefine our perceptions of animals and the roles they play in our lives. By changing the words we use to describe the relationships between humans and animals the organization is encouraging others to elevate animals from being property to companions. In its most simple form all they ask is that we stop referring to ourselves as owners of animals but instead guardians. Why such a fuss over a word or two? Let’s examine this question and its implications.

Words by their very nature come with preconceived notions. Since we, as humans, communicate verbally language must come with definitions or the value of communication is lost. Definitions can be literal but more often than not are also accompanied by emotion, ideology, cultural traditions and religious and spiritual beliefs.

Many words elicit behaviors; both good and bad. Tell someone you love them and if the feeling is mutual wonderful changes occur in your brain chemistry that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. In a fit of anger tell that same person that you hate them and just the opposite reaction is created. And again if you claim to “own” that same person, even if in the name of love, you have removed some level of the sense of self from the other.

Animals are considered property because of antiquated laws that don’t recognize any species, other than human, as sentient. Many studies over the years have proven this conception as incorrect. All true animal lovers don’t need to be told such. Animals may see the world differently than we do but they are indeed aware of their own existence. They love, grieve, celebrate, fear and experience and express all of the same emotions that humans do.

What animals do not understand is (most) of human language so we are back to asking why the fuss over language then? The word owner implies property. Property, by law, is not extended the same protections against abuse, neglect or death, as is a recognized member of the family – be that family member in possession of two or four legs. Guardians are the caretakers of those that cannot take care of themselves. We become legal guardians of children when their biological parents cannot fulfill their responsibilities. Guardians by definition take care of those under their care.

But the legal aspect is only part of the equation. By changing the words used to describe people we change how we view such. Animals have been at our mercy for thousands of years. It is past time that we, as an entire population, start showing mercy and grace and guardianship for those without a voice.

In Defense of Animals has a great website (linked below) that will guide you toward this new level of animal welfare. It includes free downloads for teachers that explore how animals better create empathy and compassion. There is a section that offers help for animals and children that you think may be abused in some way. And my favorite – information about how to change the legal language in your community.

The month of May is all about bettering the world for animals one word at a time. What do you say???