Other Man vs. Animal Double Standards

by Courtney Mroch | More from this Blogger

28 Aug 2008 12:41 PM

I covered the double standard of euthanasia as it applies to man vs. animal, but there are other double standards, too.

Spaying and Neutering

I believe "castration" is the term used for humans. The practice has been used for centuries for everything from medical purposes to warfare strategies against opposing armies. And, yes, even on occasion for population control.

But the later especially drew criticism and cries of "Foul!" when discovered. With animals though? Heck, even Aimee and I advocate the owner responsibility of spaying and neutering your pet.

There are all sorts of reasons why it's so important, but the main one is because of pet overpopulation problems.

Hmmm, but who determines that? Does every dog and cat need to be domesticated? Can't some just run free? (Bear with me. I'm playing Devil's Advocate here. Those who know me know I can't stand to see a stray.)

The thing of it is, not all humans have people to love them either. There's just as big a problem with human overpopulation as with pets. But we can't just go around castrating stray humans so they don't reproduce now can we?

Speaking of Strays

And what about lost dogs and cats? The ones who formerly had owners, got lost, are found, but no one ever steps up to claim them? Imagine if we did that with our loved ones?

"Ooops, little Sally got lost today. Let's put up found posters, shall we? And if we can't find her? Oh dear. Well, I hope she's okay and found a good home somewhere."

In this case, think of "little Sally" as a three-year-old child. But then apply the scenario to a six month old puppy. The former would be a tragedy and any parent with such a mentality would be jailed. But not in the case of the latter.

Technology

"But there are ways to prevent little Sally (the puppy version) from getting lost," you say. "There are collars, name tags, even microchips."

Yep, but not everyone uses them on their animals. And we certainly don't put such things as collars and name tags on our kids. (Well, not in the same way we would with a dog or cat.)

I've heard it tossed around that we may see the day when microchips with GPS tracking capabilities are inserted into humans, but I've also heard a lot of complaints about that.

But why? If it's good enough for our animals shouldn't it be good enough for us people?

Question to Readers

How do you feel about the man vs. animal double standards? What other ones do you see that make you mad?

Related Articles

Tough Decisions: Watch the Euthanasia or Not?

Why Pets End Up In Shelters

My Pets Are Not Disposable

Why It's Wrong To Be Left Like a Dog for Dead

Preventing a Lost Pet

Learn more about Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a wife, a proud pet parent, and a writer. She's been with her husband, high school sweetheart Wayne Pryor, over 20 years, married 11 of those. She's "mom" to Mr. Meow, a.k.

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