Work Text:
Jay Sawer
Mr. Evans
Language Arts 4th
14 May 2132
Dog Rights: How a Treat Changed Laws
How much can change in 100 years? Many things, especially when looking at the laws surrounding canines. In the last century life for dogs has changed vastly. This essay will explore the roles of dogs previous to this massive change, what caused it, immediate effects, the fight for equal rights, and notable figures.
In the modern world dogs are considered equal to humans in the eyes of the government and most people, however this wasn’t even considered as a possibility until the early 2000s. Before the twenty-first century dogs were animalistic and unintelligent according to humanity. They were often taken care of by humans and were seen in a variety of roles such as, “pet, bomb sniffer, search and rescue, model, hunter and others” (Sims). Although dogs held jobs they were given only shelter, food, water, and other basic necessities for their survival; this is very similar to how we treat other domesticated animals currently. Dogs have been proven to be intelligent on a level similar to humans which makes this seem horrible, but dogs have only been as intelligent as humans for about 120 years.
What caused this jump in dog’s intelligence? An unknown biologist discovered that mixing five unknown supposedly natural ingredients would cause dogs to be able to speak and think as humans. This creation would then be known and sold as the “Evolution Dog Treat with the slogan, ‘because evolution is only natural’” (“The Miracle of…”). Though both the creator and recipe for this biological impossibility was lost in the deletion of the companies files, it is known that this same recipe does not work on other animals as when attempted it caused rapid deterioration of the health and a swift death for the test subject. The original version of the product would have to be continuously eaten however as the treat evolved it became unnecessary. Later when the remains of dogs that died before the invention of the treat and remains of others who died after were compaired, it was discovered that this treat did actually cause a change in the structure of dogs typical anatomy. “The [dog’s] anatomy is completely different. The bone structure, especially the skull, is changed and more human-like in quality…whatever the treats did it changed dogs” (Cullen). Though it is unknown as to whether or not this would have been the natural evolution path of dogs this treat definitely changed dogs forever.
In the decade following the creation of the Evolution Dog Treat the world changed both a lot and very little. Dogs started appearing in roles that had until that point been held only by humans. It was at this time, from approximately 2013-2024, where many notable shows started to air such as Pup Star which had dogs competing against each other in a singing contest, Dog Run where dogs competed in a fashion similar to American Ninja Warrior, along with "everything from cooking shows, to teen dramas, to soap operas” (Dounut). Towards the end of this period a group of first responders known as the Paw Patrol, which was made up of Marshall, Rubble, Chase, Rocky, Zuma, Skye, and Ryder who was the only human of the group, would form. Although dogs had jobs such as TV show hosts, first responders, and actors, roles typically held by humans at the time, they were still owned by humans. As that may suggest dogs held little to no rights and were seen as lesser to humans in both the eyes of the government and the law.
The Liberty and Equality Group, the main group that would begin to fight for the equal rights between humans and dogs, would begin in approximately late 2024. This was following the major change to the Evolution Dog Treats recipe that would allow for the change to canine biology to be permanent. There had been minor groups before, however most of them quickly disbanded or never gained the public eye. Before the change to biology became permanent it was questioned if the intelligence it granted dogs was to be considered in the eyes of the law due numerous factors including the reliability and sustainability of the treats. Throughout the next 25 years the group would continue to fight for, “the equality of all intelligent species both dog and otherwise in any and every way” (“Our Promise”). The group would eventually help pass several laws that would protect dogs rights and allow them to live without an owner. A major hurdle would appear in 2057 after the company that originally produced the Evolution Dog Treats would be disolved after a public scandal and human experimentation allegations. As the company deleted many of their records large amounts of information, including the recipe for the treat, would be lost. This would cause the repeal of many laws after doubts arose as to whether or not the biological advancements would stay after several generations of dogs. Through several years of testing the group would prove not only that the advancements would stay but also that they were the dominant genes. Through the next decade the group would continue fighting and in 2075 would reach a point many historians refer to as true equality though the group still exists to this day.
Throughout the long history of the movement for equality of dogs there have been many important figures. Ryder is often one of the first names that comes to mind when thinking of notable people he founded the Paw Patrol, the first all dog first responder team, at age nine and was known to have, “the kindest heart you could find, the patience of a saint, and the innocence to keep people from questioning it” (Goodway). When Ryder grew up he became an avid dog rights advocate, was knighted by the Queen of Barkingburg, and was known for his humanitarian efforts. Another name that comes up in conversations is Riyo Chuchi, an Alaskan Senator who was known for getting many canine rights bills passed through congress. Other notable activists include Katie, Amadala, Buddy, Rosebud, and Mudbud.
The role of dogs in our society has changed vastly over the course of the last century. They went from simple companions to humanity’s equals on many levels all due to a dog treat. It is only through many years of activism, protest, and working towards change that they have reached this point. After all that work, what will they accomplish next?
Works Cited
Cullen, Carlisle. “Interveiw With a Biologist" Volturi News Network, 1 December 2027, VNN.com/dogs-history-2020s/. Accessed on 7 April 2132.
Donut, Princess. “The Change in the Media Representation of Dogs.” The Crawler Society, 9 August 2100, crawlersociaty.com/media-history-dogs/change. Accessed on 7 April 2132.
Goodway, Mayor. “Get to Know the Hero: Beginnings” Hummdinger Industries, 31 June 2074, humdingerpresents.com/inerveiws-hero-beginings-goodway. Accessed 9 April 2132.
Sims, Jonathan. “The Life of Dogs Before Forced Evolution.” History Online, 12 May 2116, historyonline.org/2116/05/12/life-dogs-before-forced-evolution/. Accessed on 7 April 2132.
“Our Pledge” The Liberty and Equality Group, 16 February 2025, libertyandequality.org/ourplege. Accessed on 8 April 2132.
“The Miracle of the Evolution Dog Treat.” The Eggchan Archive, 27 October 2020, Eggchanarchive.org/2058/27/08/Evolution-dog-treat-history-advertisments. Accessed on 8 April 2132.