compassion. Feeling strong empathy for the suffering of another and demonstrating a strong desire to alleviate their suffering. Considering the impact of our actions on others and discontinuing activities that would cause them suffering. True compassion towards animals protects their rights to life, freedom and bodily integrity absolutely. There are no compromises and no betrayals of their trust. Compassion is not an insincere or condescending notion of offering a lesser being mercy. It is a skill that needs to be practiced where we give of ourselves for the benefit of others.