Quote:
Originally posted by Devils'Advocate@Sep 8 2005, 10:10 AM
So why are cats and dogs put on equal footing but cows and pigs and sheep and goats are not?
I've heard on other boards that the only reason you can't go kill the neighbors dog is not because the dog has rights, but you have destroyed the property of your neighbor who does have rights.
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Well, that's another can of worms right there.
There is a vast argument among well meaning people in the pet community over what is better - animals having rights or keeping things the way they are, where humans have property rights over animals.
One of the kindest, more determined Golden rescue persons in the USA - we were greeted by 10 Golden's of various disabilities mushing us when we went to visit her in San Francisco a few years ago (she's now deceased from cancer) - would crush your head if you tried to argue that animal rights should supercede property rights.
On a second point, I also don't think we're talking about people - we shouldn't be - making a direct decision to pick saving their cat or pick saving a human.
As an example, I would save my wife from a burning building first, then go get the dogs and cats. . . . . but I wouldn't leave the dogs and cats behind without making an effort.
But people in that situation might singe themselves pretty good in the flames making the attempt.
In fact, just last year, a lady in Calgary - about 28 years old - lost her life going back into a burning house to get her animals. They found the pooch dead beside her, guarding her, after she had succumbed to the smoke.
Similarly, in new Orleans, people are making decisions that they will stay together - husband and wife - to their mutual peril because they won't leave their pets behind in New Orleans.
But people can be found prone to contribute more to a pet disaster relief or pet rescue fund than they might to the American Red Cross.
I read somewhere earlier today - danged if I can remember where - that people have contributed three times as much to helping pets as Clinton/Bush Sr. have collected through their charity to help people.
Pets are great friends, unqualified friends. Would you leave your friend behind? Tough call.
Cowperson