The Decline of Empathy: How Politics Shape the Way We Treat Animals
In a world increasingly shaped by power, profit, and division, empathy is becoming an inconvenient virtue. Across political and economic spheres, we see a rising disdain for compassion—whether through policies that prioritise punishment over rehabilitation, economic structures that widen inequality, or the global retreat from cooperative governance. Nowhere is this shift more apparent than in the way we treat the most vulnerable, including animals.
Empathy as a Sin
In the United States, a term has gained traction: “the sin of empathy.” Once considered a cornerstone of morality, empathy is now framed by some as a weakness—an emotional indulgence that clouds judgment and impedes efficiency. This ideology has crept into social and political discourse, used to justify policies that strip away humanitarian efforts in favour of so-called pragmatism. If feeling for others is a liability, then force, control, and detachment become the preferred tools of governance.
This mindset does not exist in a vacuum. It infiltrates everyday life, shaping how people interact not just with one another, but with the animals in their care.
If You Think Animal Treatment Isn’t Political, You’re Missing the Point
Many people dismiss the treatment of animals as a separate, apolitical issue—one that exists outside of human rights, governance, and justice. But history tells us otherwise.
The early warning signs of authoritarianism and societal collapse often begin with the dehumanisation of both people and animals. Nazi Germany, for example, was built on a foundation of control and hierarchical dominance, where empathy was systematically eroded. The normalisation of cruelty—first toward those considered ‘lesser’—set the stage for the atrocities of the Holocaust.
When we accept that some lives matter less, when we rationalise cruelty as necessary, we create the conditions for much greater harm. This is not an abstract philosophical concern; it is a pattern we have seen time and time again throughout history.
The Ripple Effect on Animals
When societies embrace punitive approaches to governance—favouring domination over cooperation—the effects trickle down into cultural norms. The rise of punitive dog training methods, such as e-collars, prong collars, and intimidation tactics, mirrors the political shift towards power-driven solutions.
Proponents of these methods, like social media personalities gaining viral attention, sell the idea that control is more important than connection. That a well-behaved dog is one that submits, rather than one that understands. These ideas resonate in an era where patience is dwindling, and where coercion is increasingly mistaken for efficiency.
The Cost of Removing Empathy
The danger of eroding empathy is not just ethical—it is practical.
The science is clear: Fear-based training creates long-term behavioural issues, increasing anxiety and aggression in dogs. It may “work” in the short term, but at the cost of trust and emotional well-being.
The ethical cost: When we view animals as objects to be controlled rather than beings to be understood, we reinforce a mindset that extends beyond pets—affecting how we treat workers, children, and the vulnerable.
The societal impact: A world that shuns empathy becomes a world where suffering is normalised, where care is seen as weakness, and where control is the ultimate currency.
Choosing Empathy as an Act of Resistance
In a time when empathy is framed as a sin, choosing kindness becomes an act of defiance. Humane, science-based pet care is not just about training methods—it is about choosing a worldview that values understanding over force, patience over punishment, and connection over control.
Our treatment of animals reflects who we are as a society. If we accept that cruelty is necessary, we risk building a world where it is inevitable. But if we choose compassion—even when the world tells us not to—we push back against the erosion of empathy, one small act at a time.