Quote:
Originally Posted by Patricia
I have a lot of sympathy with Yvan's comments.
I must admit that I am appalled to hear of people who have their cats de-clawed, so as to protect thir furnishings. Cats need their claws to climb and to hold things. (Vets mostly won't do this in the UK, but I've heard that it is done in the USA.)
And I hate the way that some terriers have their tails docked, and other breeds are known to have hereditary problems.
I honestly feel that people who want spotless upholstery should not have cats: it's just not fair to mutilate the creature. And some pedigree breeds of dogs should be allowed to become extinct: why breed a creature who will suffer from arthritis or respiratory problems?
But there are exceptions: people (like Ricky, Zelda and my daughter, among others) who live with rescued animals. Also people who actually think about whether they can provide a good home for a creature, so that it can thrive according to its kind.
|
i completely agree with everything in Patricia's post. it makes me really furious the way some people seem to think of animals as playthings or objects which can be made to suit their convenience or whimsical fancy, regardless of the pain or unhappiness caused to the animal, and the way they seem to have so little consideration for them as actual living beings with enough intelligence to feel happiness or (sadly) suffer, depending on the circumstances. i really think that there should be a test you have to pass before you're allowed to have pets (there should be a child licence too. that's another debate, but i can't help feeling the two are linked). anyone incapable of the basic respect due ALL living creatures just by dint of their being alive and sentient : FAIL.