How society treats the animals in its care is a litmus test of its ethical character, and the term "humane" reflects this: animals, both those that serve and accompany us, and those in the wild whose very existence relies upon our discretion, deserve to be treated decently and respectfully, in accord with our own better nature. This principle, observed in a thousand homilies, myths and tales at least from the time that Noah led them two by two upon the ark, reflects mankind's power to decide the fate of the earth, and is thus part of our higher calling: we are measured not by our deeds but by our conduct, and never more so than in our dealings with the least of those among us. We serve a high purpose when we protect the endangered, aid the sick and vulnerable, educate society, and remind our fellow citizens that the humane treatment of
animals is a matter of public policy.