Is there anything wrong in putting 'surplus' animals down?
Noel Canard
Posts: 562 Forum Member
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Hi all
As the thread title states, is there anything wrong in putting unwanted animals/pets down, rather than keeping them cooped up somewhere (where) many of them will live like that for the rest of their lives?
Not only is it ethical and humane, there'll be massive cost savings too. Obviously the latter's just an inevitable consequence and not really part of the argument, but surely mentally torturing animals by leaving them as they are is pretty bad?
As the thread title states, is there anything wrong in putting unwanted animals/pets down, rather than keeping them cooped up somewhere (where) many of them will live like that for the rest of their lives?
Not only is it ethical and humane, there'll be massive cost savings too. Obviously the latter's just an inevitable consequence and not really part of the argument, but surely mentally torturing animals by leaving them as they are is pretty bad?
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No there is nothing wrong, happens all the time, just a damn shame that's all.
So, how do you feel about unwanted humans who spend a miserable existence? Are we going to start putting them down, too?
"Are you sure this is the Green Room, you're taking us to Mr Kyle?"
[/johnlennon]
Now there's a loaded question with only one "acceptable" answer where morals and ethics may be at odds.
Despite this, even the idea of preventing excess births is considered as unacceptable to some.
Its disgraceful at how many animals are put down every day. It seems to get worse every year and yet every year more and more people seem to be animal obsessed and self confessed animal lovers.
Although that stance may be shaky where you have dogs which have socialising issues, as they might, potentially, turn aggressive. Open to further debate, possibly.
Does the OP's thread include the badger cull ? if so, I'll say that I'm of the opinion they should be vaccinated, not shot.
After all there are many towns in the UK, that because of the closure of the mines or heavy industry, have no real economic reason to exist and they are filled with the awful poor.
Most people would prefer to see the poor isolated in their individual homes weighed down by bills, heating and housing costs they simply can't afford and hounded to seek non-existent jobs.
One alternative would be communal living with food and shelter provided which may have the added benefit of economy of scale. But who wants workhouses back?
I agree. We really do need to sort this country out with regards to the treatment of its animals.
I believe in quality of life rather than quantity. And I'd rather see a little cat or dog (who won't know what is happening anyway) gently being put to sleep in the most comfortable way possible, than see those defenceless animals without food, wáter or shelter, especially come the winter.
There are so many stray cats round where I live, and if noone acts and actually helps them, by providing assistance to them and making sure they're all neutered so the problem doesn't get worse, then all that the cats have got to look forward to is suffering upon suffering.
And I feel the same about humans too. Why shouldn't we choose when we want to die?
I think there's something wrong in putting unwanted pets down just because there's no space at a certain dog etc home for them. I'm sure there'd be room at another home if the staff there checked all the homes in Britain. Too little is thought of the lives of animals that could be pets.
If that's what they want.
You naughty person. ;-)
Totally agree, I not even in favour of breeders, what is the purpose of this apart from specific working dogs for farms or things like this.
Im worried after this dog kennel fire that loads more people will put themselves forward without thinking properly to adopt a dog now (reports say that they have had loads of offers to rehome many of the other dogs), but people are doing this without even thinking of the needs of the animal. I suspect that many will be back in the home after a period.
Why don't you act? Why does it always have to been someone else's responsibility. I recently found a stray pregnant cat near where I work. I was concerned for the health & safety of the cat and her kittens. I made sure she had food & water and went about trying to find her a home. Finally, a cat sanctuary managed to take her in and would rehome the kittens once they were old enough and one of my colleagues is going to take in the mother cat once she has been neutered.
I do wish people would ensure their cats and dogs are neutered. And maybe we all need to take some responsibility.
Well said. If people thought beyond what they 'want' in the short term when taking on a pet (or more) and took into consideration the potential lifespan of said animal and its possible needs (including neutering), any problems of overbreeding could be eradicated within a decade. It won't happen, of course, because we are essentially selfish, go for what we want in the here and now and don't always think ahead. As for putting 'surplus' animals down rather than condemning them to a life of being caged, it's already happening, Anyway, isn't that what the RSPCA is for?
All effort should be made to find the animal a loving home.
THIS is Ollie. Up until about 2 weeks ago, he was an unwanted/surplus animal.
He's just spent this morning keeping my 3 year old niece entertained by fetching a tennis ball for her and now he's busy keeping my feet warm by lying on top of them.
He's definitely not surplus or unwanted any more.
What are you going to do with all the race horses which dont meet the grade?
http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/oct/01/horseracing.sport