TOPIC: Humane Society Report on Dog Fur

How exactly do you justify killing animals for food? Shouldn't you also apply the adendum that it's wrong unless you live in a place where absolutely no other protein source is avaliable?

That's a good point, but humans are meant to eat meat (we are omnivores), ergo animals are killed for that.  Everyone has a point they won't cross - I eat meat, but not some kinds (like dog).  I wear leather, but not fur.  In any case, I don't like to see animals suffereing.<br /><br />Brian<br />

I might be in the minority on this but mankind has been "consuming" certain animals be it for their fur, their meat, skins, whatever for thousands of years.  I don't think you can distinguish the morality of this based on the purpose of the killing (i.e. killing a cow for its meat vs. killing a animal for its fur).  So long as there is no detrimental impact to an animal population (i.e. extiction), to me, those are synonymous.<br /><br />But there is no excuse for inhumane treatment of animals in the process.  I think that is something that we can all agree on.

<br />That's a good point, but humans are meant to eat meat (we are omnivores), ergo animals are killed for that.  Everyone has a point they won't cross - I eat meat, but not some kinds (like dog).  I wear leather, but not fur.  In any case, I don't like to see animals suffereing.<br />

<br /><br />And you don't see the intrinsic hypocrisy in that? <br /><br />Humans are also meant to wear fur and clothing in general. There was a reason why we developed to a point where we no longer had our own, and it certainly wasn't because we can live nekkid and survive exposure. the arguement that I usually see is some people claim that now since we have plant and synthetic fibers, there's no reason to kill animals for their fur to satisfy our needs. Unfortunately, the exact same arguement can be made for food as well since there are now many sources of readily avaliable non-animal protein.<br /><br />IMO, as long as nothing is wasted, that's all I can really ask. So if you want to skin the raccoon bear, then I hope that as much of the animal can be used whether as food or as decorative skull candy dishes or whatever.

<br />I might be in the minority on this but mankind has been "consuming" certain animals be it for their fur, their meat, skins, whatever for thousands of years.  I don't think you can distinguish the morality of this based on the purpose of the killing (i.e. killing a cow for its meat vs. killing a animal for its fur).  So long as there is no detrimental impact to an animal population (i.e. extiction), to me, those are synonymous.<br /><br />But there is no excuse for inhumane treatment of animals in the process.  I think that is something that we can all agree on.<br />

<br /><br />I wonder what long term effect this will have on exticiton, as Dougless does mention.  Maybe not now, but what about later?

Henry,<br /><br />You should go to law school; you'd make a great lawyer.  <br /><br />I hope you understand that I mean that as a compliment, not an insult.  You're able to point out the flip side of debates, which sometimes others don't easily see.<br /><br />Lori

Readily available non-animal protein is not the same as animal protein.  Vegans have to be careful to make sure they get all the nutrients they need.  It's possible, but difficult.  Cotton/synthetic clothing is much more practical and economical than avoiding all animal products.<br /><br />I agree with Douglas that there is no excuse for the inhumane treatmnt of animals for any purpose.  Of course, what is considered inhumane is open to interpretation.<br /><br />Brian<br />

<br />Henry,<br /><br />You should go to law school; you'd make a great lawyer.  <br /><br />I hope you understand that I mean that as a compliment, not an insult.  You're able to point out the flip side of debates, which sometimes others don't easily see.<br /><br />Lori<br />

<br /><br />I thought seriously about going to law school for a while after I finished undergrad. My excuse is I was watching a lot of law and order at the time and it had brainwashed me into believing that lawyers and trials were cool and exciting. I then forced myself to watch an entire afternoon of court tv and gave up any illusions of adding esquire to my name.