Do You Think Zoos, Circuses, Rodeos, etc. Are Entertainment or Animal Cruelty?

[SifuPhil]

Who says they are 'lesser'? It all depends on what you have been told by some authority (school/church) - everyone does not believe the sentient and insentient thing, although many people like to think animals are lesser so they can use and abuse them and even eat them.

I have known animals that have had more common sense, bravery and love than many humans.

 

[Shalimar]

Indeed, Philly, I agree. What is lesser? Some primates have the intellectual capacity of a small child. Are they lesser than our beloved children who are mentally challenged? IQ is only one arguable measure.What determines sentience anyway? Is the

only criteria the capacity to learn complex behaviours and adapt to changing environs, or is there room for the capacity for love, loyalty, and sacrifice? Many believe whales to have an intelligence equal to, although different from our own. Do you

know that Orcas will come and listen to you play the flute and sing to them? They play, and express joy at the sharing. We all have a place in this complex world we share. I am not arrogant enough to insist I am in dominion over anyone by right of

species superiority. What is my place? To be a steward, not an omnipotent goddess-like owner of this mother earth and her creatures. The only evil in this world is committed by humans, how superior can we be? We destroy each other, and the

environment. At best, many of us are fractious children, with bad habits, and very dangerous toys. Our bestial brethren have much to teach us, if only we are humble enough to learn?

 

[SeaBreeze]

I also think idiots who dress their dogs up and treat them like humans are also being cruel!

Well I guess that I'm one of the idiots since I put a coat on my dogs in frigid winter weather and treat them like one of the family. That's okay though, your comment is a good reminder of why I like animals so much more than people. I must be a lunatic, here are two of my dogs on a bone chilling day, I warmed them up afterward and they slept in my bed at night. They were my furkids....yes, my furkids, may they both rest in peace. My current dog also shares my home and is cared for better than some people care for their children, and of that I am very proud.




"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~Immanual Kant~

 

[applecruncher]

I see nothing wrong with jackets/sweaters on dogs. And it looks cute in addition to helping to warm them.

A friend puts little holiday outfits on her cats, but just for pictures.

I thought about putting leggings and a sweater on my cat, but she doesn’t go outside, I don't know where to get kitty leggings, and I also didn’t think it would end well. :laugh:

In the morning when I say “Good morning, Bella” she usually answers but that’s only because she’s hungry and wanting breakfast. At night the last thing I say is " ’Night, Bella” before I drift off. She rarely answers.

 

[Shalimar]

SB, you should be proud! Gandhi said the measure of a society was in how it treated it's animals. Perhaps people who do not live in cold climates fail to understand the need to keep our pets from freezing. That is entirely different from forcing animals to

constantly wear uncomfortable dresses, hats etc. which inhibit movement, curtailing their ability to play, be comfortable etc. purely for the ego of the owner. It must be horrid for the poor things, particularly in the heat of summer.My cats are part of my

family, I fail to see how that negatively affects anyone else? I don't pass judgement on people who prefer not to have pets, anymore than I would frown on those who choose not to have human children. Caustic remarks directed toward people who

hold differing views on the value and treatment of animals, says more about the character of the attacker, than the value of those being disparaged imho.

 

[SifuPhil]

How true. How very, very true.

I've broken potential friendships and even romantic relationships when I first saw how they treated animals.

I remember as a kid going to various zoos. The one thing that struck me the hardest, stayed in my memory the longest and really turned my stomach was seeing people - kids AND adults - poking sticks and throwing things at the caged animals. Then they would laugh. I had a visceral reaction to this behavior every time, while wondering where the pleasure was in abusing animals.

 

[QuickSilver]

Here's my little Murphy as a puppy. He was just about 3 pounds in this pic. Now he is full grown and all of 6 pounds. this morning our temp was minus 3 degrees.. with the windchill minus 27... No way is Murph going out without his coat and hat.

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[SifuPhil]

Awww! I hope he stayed warm - he probably did, thanks to your concern. I also hope he didn't lick any flagpoles!

 

[Cookie]

All our lovable neighborhood doggies wear their jackets/coats/and jersies when it gets cold, including booties for freezing/salted sidewalks. They are very happy about it too.

 

[SeaBreeze]

Tooo cute QS, what a little guy! :love_heart:

 

[Shalimar]

So cute, QS!

 

[Karen99]

My pets ARE family. They are shown love, kindness, affection..and their love and loyalty and return of same is the most profound thing.. I do put a sweater on my baby when she is walked...something soft and not scratchy.

when people can't love animals it puts a red flag up to me...as they are so easy to love. I agree with Phil...I wouldn't date a guy who wasn't sweet to my two cats. That's the truth. My husband loves animals as much as I do.

 

[Shalimar]

I could never love a man who did not love plants, animals, and children.

 

[Debby]

My pets ARE family............

That's how most of us feel about our animals isn't it Karen? Today I was talking to my mom and she asked me why I wasn't leaving the cat when we move, because 'he's such a good mouser and the new owners will need that in the barn'. She just doesn't understand what you just said. She was always great with us when we were kids and wanted pets (we had more than we should have) but she just doesn't understand you know. Like would you leave your kid 'because he does such a good job of raking leaves and the new owners will need that'?

 

[Debby]

..........

In the morning when I say “Good morning, Bella” she usually answers but that’s only because she’s hungry and wanting breakfast. At night the last thing I say is " ’Night, Bella” before I drift off. She rarely answers.

That's because they're all 'U D's' (User Dogs) and we don't mind at all ! We always say that as Max is sliding down from the back of the sofa, onto Don's shoulder and down into his arms. Our little UD doing what he loves to do which is make himself comfortable (and we better accommodate him or he'll give us the sad, brown puppy eyes).

 

[Karen99]

I agree, Debbie. I think some just don't connect the dots in this area. I think once you allow yourself to love something it brings protective and nurturing feelings. It reaffirms my faith in humans when I see them treat animals with kindness. I don't think this detracts from our ability to care about other humans In any way.

I know my dog is a dog...but her time with me is precious. I had my previous dog 15 years and the one before 16. Their pictures are framed and the memories treasured. My cats as well. There is a special bond with a pet and it is indeed a family tie..bound by love on both sides. What better thing can there be. I am actually sorry for people who never feel this joy.

 

[fureverywhere]

Good heavens with sweaters and jackets. We have a big old drafty house. As people we can layer clothes and turn up the heat a bit...our critters have to make due. My Callie has fur like peach fuzz and actually stands and quakes sometimes when he catches a chill. It's not easy finding sweaters for his build but he has a cozy collection. Unless your pup is a sled dog, coats can feel really good when the temps go below freezing.

I don't judge...well except when there is neglect involved. The wind chill is around 7 right now and those clowns down the street have had their dog in the yard for hours. It's not barking tonight, probably frozen...It's a border collie and probably they figure throwing it outside is "exercise". But the opposite spectrum of babying them is fine. For some people the creature IS a substitute infant. I remember two Mami's who used to come into the store. The each had a chi and would have a merry time trying on clothes. The dogs seemed used to it so owners are happy and doggies get attention win/win.

 

[Cookie]

The doggie boutiques are relatively recent, I first saw one around 2005 in a high end mall here in town. My friend and I laughed our heads off when we saw the stylish little footwear and coaties for all sizes of dogs. But its big business and flourishing --- in this climate -- one of our neighbours' dog has many coats to choose from and even his favorites. Happy and warm dogs.

 

[Butterfly]

My sweet pittie Bonnie IS my family. I pamper her and fuss over her. She deserves it. She is my companion, my walking buddy, my personal trainer, my shrink and my friend. She is very precious to me and I treat her like the precious gift she is.

 

[SeaBreeze]

My sweet pittie Bonnie IS my family. I pamper her and fuss over her. She deserves it. She is my companion, my walking buddy, my personal trainer, my shrink and my friend. She is very precious to me and I treat her like the precious gift she is.