One reason I love cats and dogs so much (I mean, besides the obvious traits of loyalty, friendship, companionship, etc.) is that these are smart animals that show (or voice) their emotions -- and despite claims by some evil people, they certainly have them -- is that they actually smile. I don't have (I'm not allowed to have, in my rental apartment) dogs but any cat owner can tell you that besides the obvious "purring" they do, cats definitely SMILE when happy. Pet them, talk to them, show them attention, and the corners of their mouth-lines turn right-up into a visible smile.
And this brings up a somewhat controversial subject -- animals used for medical research. This science has to be done to improve human lives. And I have no problem (well, mostly no problem) with mice and rats. I have no experience with rabbits but owners tell me that they are somewhat like cats, so I have a bit of a problem.
But any dog and/or cat owner knows that dogs and cats love to play, are smart, are emotional. These are signs of real feelings. One of the workers at our furniture mill has a dalmation that runs with abandon around the perimeter of the parking-lot on nice days. You just have to watch this beautiful dog to know she is absolutely enjoying the freedom and pleasure of racing around the lot. When you watch dogs and cats play, well, play implies pleasure and joy with life.
Animals that experience -- that know -- joy, also know fear and terror. Dogs and cats should, in my opinion, be totally off-limits to medical research. I don't CARE what the consequences or delays to science would be. An animal that can feel happiness certainly can also understand sadness and pain and sorrow.
I am not a PETA type. I eat beef and pork and chicken and everything else in the carnivore cookbook but Dogs and Cats -- sorry, leave them the hell alone. Don't test them in a laboratory, don't eat them (a note to asia) and don't shoot them or hurt them for doing something natural to them.
Here is my "child-like" list of animals that should be off limits to medical testing and hunting and eating: Dogs, Cats, Otters (I love them! They play even more than most domestic animals) and maybe Rabbits (you'll have to inform me on this). I can't speak for aquatic animals. I'd like to know if you have more to add to the list...
Posted by Jeff at March 28, 2004 08:08 AM