The Moral Status of Animals

[davinxtk]

this really is kindof a silly topic

why would we grant them equal moral standing? one might argue that animals have been subservient since the first horse was bridled or the first dog played fetch, but where's the problem here? in america, we already have quite the moral standing for our animals. our dogs are most often either loyally kept pets or professional aid workers (seeing eyes, medical alarms, search & rescue, etc). our horses are in most cases no longer workers but well-cared-for prize, game, and entertainment animals. are you going to tell people in third world countries that they're violating moral principles because their asses carry huge loads? (yes i said that just so i could string those words together)


the point here really is: are any animals standing up and asking for equal rights? is there any argument that they even have the faculties to ponder such a question, their inability to actually speak our languages aside? would you give your dog the right to vote or marry or emancipate himself, get a job, pay for his own food and shots?

would you feel comfortable if a domesticated animal had civil rights?
if you could be tried for manslaughter for hitting someone's pooch inadvertantly?

the topic just becomes ridiculous when you examine it.

if you're looking for an answer as far as animal testing for products and procedures, i'd hesitate to draw a line. from the standpoint of my own morality, i'd like to say that if it's in the name of profit, it is wrong; in the name of science, it is acceptable.
someone stand up and call me a hypocrite, please.