When you go into the average American household, you are most likely to see some sort of pet. Most people believe that owning a pet is “normal”. Some even say that their pet is treated better than they are. There is a big debate on whether owning a pet/animal is ethically wrong. PETA has been a huge side in this debate.
Some associations, like PETA, believe that is ethically wrong to own a pet. They claim that animals shouldn’t be used for “human entertainment”. They believe that owning animals manipulates their bodies, behaviors, and emotional responses. According to them, they should be given the right to live in their natural habits and use their natural behavior. PETA is actively trying to stop the use of animals for human consumption and entertainment.
Other associations and people, state that owning pets/animals is perfectly ethical. They say that it allows them to have a loving, safe home and provides them with a happy life. It provides protection for domestic animals that wouldn’t be able to survive in their natural environment. Most domestic animals, like dogs, actively choose to be around humans. The bonds these animals create with humans are a good thing. Pets enjoy the attention, and like a safe and loving environment.
I personally believe that owning animals and pets is completely ethical if cared for correctly. These domestic animals are already domesticated. There is no way we could put them back into the wild and expect them to survive. These animals have learned to rely on us, just as much as we rely on them. Not only do we provide a lot for these domesticated pets but they provide a lot for us too. Overall, I don’t agree with PETA or any of the associations similar to it.
Do you believe that owning animals/pets is ethical? Why?
What are your opinions on PETA’s side of this debate?
Do you own any animals/pets? And what do they do for you?
Sources:
- https://theconversation.com/pets-is-it-ethical-to-keep-them-115647#:~:text=The%20institution%20of%20pet%2Dkeeping,suit%20human%20fashions%20and%20fancies.
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jul/16/do-our-pets-ever-really-love-us-or-do-they-just-stick-around-for-the-food
Replies
I agree that PETA shouldn't be getting involved in the side of owning pets. If they want to make a difference they should be focusing on the abuse that happens to animals.
Many animals kept as pets do not have a natural environment, like dogs. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years. Also, stray cats have so many negative effects on ecosystems. I think people should definitely have more respect towards pets, and many people who are not fit to own a pet own them, but I'm not against pet owning as a concept. I do not think young children should be given their own pets like hermit crabs, birds, lizards, etc.
Animals are living beings just like Humans are and they should absolutely be respected as such. With this being said thought I do believe it is not unethical to have a pet in your house to have you company, such as a cat or dog. I have two dogs and they are both good companions and and very nice to have around. I think if you're treating your pet with the most care and respect and love it should be okay.
I think that owning a pet is perfectly fine. The only way it wouldn't be ethical is if it was not taken care of. PETA has hurt many animals before. There are many uneducated people part of PETA who are not able to fully understand that there are more durastic things going on with other animals instead of lobsters at a restaurant.
I agree that PETA isn't as perfect as they claim to be. Some of PETA's argurements aren't even logical.
I think PETA is just a bunch of people that do know anything. Sure some animals get mis treated but when they come after farners and stuff they have the worst agrument. Why would you hurt your own animals that makes you money I dont understand.
I do not agree with PETA's arugment about having pets. They claim we should release them into their natural habitat, but if we actually did release them, PETA would say that is inhumane too. As long as pets are treated well, I think it is ethical to own a pets.
I agree. PETA changes their agurments all the time. Some of their argurments aren't even logical.
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