animal farm: a more humane ending

Imagine a different beginning to the revolution.

The animals are hungry. The farm is falling apart. Mr. Jones is drinking, losing his temper, and neglecting his responsibilities.

The animals are frightened, and something has to change.

But this time, instead of waiting for everything to explode, somebody notices.

An animal welfare worker arrives at the farm. The animals are examined, fed, and moved somewhere safe. Nobody tells them they must remain in a dangerous situation because the farmer has problems of his own.

Meanwhile, somebody looks at Mr. Jones.

When did things start going wrong? Is he suffering from depression? Has he experienced a brain injury? Is his drinking out of control? Does he need medical attention, addiction treatment, counselling, or help managing his anger?

Nobody assumes they know the answer before asking the questions.

Mr. Jones is held accountable for neglecting the animals. He cannot simply promise to do better and be handed the keys to the farm again. His circumstances are assessed, and any return to responsibility depends on whether it can be done safely.

Perhaps he receives treatment. Perhaps he needs supervised support. Perhaps he cannot live independently or care for animals anymore.

Perhaps, as somebody once joked, Mr. Jones needs rehoming.

The animals find a safe home where they can live without hunger or fear. The farmer finds somewhere he can receive the support he needs.

Nobody has to suffer just to prove a point.

And the farm?

The farm is managed by people who understand that caring for living beings is a responsibility, not a privilege that comes with owning property.

There is no glorious revolution. No new dictator. No grand speech about the future.

Just a community recognizing a problem and doing the work required to put it right.

Perhaps that isn't the ending Orwell intended.

But it might be the beginning of a more humane world.