1 Introduction Flashcards
Natural Law
We have the divine right to do what we need to do; humans on top, animals utilised
Motivism
The theory that the moral worth (whether it is good/bad) of an action depends on the motive from which the act was done
Consequentialism/Utilitarinishm
The view that the morality is all about producing the right kinds of overall consequences (morally right act is one that will produce a good outcome)
Animal welfare legislation in Victoria
Motivism; law is based on intent not outcome
Why is motivism a problem?
Animal hoarders may have good intentions but bad welfare consequences so it’s hard to prosecute.
Everyone wants to save animals but cant necessarily care for them adequately
Biological need for breed specific products
Most animals would adapt in the wild (evolutionary principles, growing longer coat) however they have limited ability when integrated into human society
Animals haven’t been able to adapt to their environment so we have to provide them with products to overcome some of the disadvantages that we’ve imposed on them
Example of animals who requires sun protection
White cat/animals with reduced coat/white animals
Tip of ears and nose prone to cancer from sunburn; cant escape the sun if we’re imposing the environment on them
Useful products for pets (3)
- Sun protection
- sunscreen
- sun visors
- sunglasses; dogs eyes are just as sensitive as ours - Safety
- life vests and buoyancy aids take the weight of the dog
- fluorojackets - Foot protection
- useful for rescue dogs but on occasion just for the owners
Problems with clothing (6)
- irritation
- stress
- overheating
- choking hazards
- skin problems if left on for too long
- entanglement
How are pets used as a commodity? (4)
- Puppy farms: industry growing to serve us (Dogs confined to cruel puppy farms are treated as nothing more than breeding machines, kept in often appalling conditions and used to produce puppies for profit)
- Designer dogs -bred for aesthetics but present many health problems
- Fashion accessories: just to match your outfit; no function to dress up your dog to reflect your own personality
- not treating the animal as an individual, but as your persona - Indoor toilets: boxes with artificial grass on top
- if you’re at work all day, should you even have a dog?
- products are there for the owner to feel less guilty
- dogs are pack animals; designed to be with pack mates for the most of it’s day