I read an interesting article the other day entitled: Should We Stop
Keeping Pets?
The article revolved around a book by Dr. Jessica Pierce entitled: Run, Spot
Run, which looks at the moral and ethical problems surrounding pet ownership.
Pierce writes, “When we see our cats gazing wistfully out the window, or
watch a goldfish swim lazy circles in a bowl, we can’t help but wonder: are we
doing the right thing, keeping these independent beings locked up, subject to
our control? Is keeping pets actually good for the pets themselves?”
And so Dr. Pierce feels that we do a grave disservice by keeping animals as pets.
And while you may or may not agree with Dr. Pierce’s views, you have to
acknowledge the unintended consequences of embracing her view.
If it weren’t for having dogs, cats and goldfish as pets, what are the other
options? Do we let them become feral? What about the deer that the roving
packs of dogs will kill, or the songbirds killed by the unrestrained
tabbies? Will the option then be to cull the animals?
How often in our lives do we promote what we perceive to be a great point of
view without looking at the unintended consequnces? Remember, just
because something sounds like a good idea doesn’t necessarily mean it is a good
idea.
Have a great week and remember: To see what is possible, attempt the impossible.