Ethical Considerations

Animals can be friends to humans. They are living creatures who have a sense of belonging and pain. They have the same life cycle as humans. Although they cannot speak a human language we will know when they get sick. Animals, to a human’s eyes can be ugly, dirty, awful, dangerous, or poisonous. They can sometimes make annoying noises. Some are huge; others are so small that they cannot be seen by naked eyes. Animals can be very useful although some can cause diseases. Some are disease carriers such as mosquitoes, birds, and fish. They can cause diseases such as malaria, anthrax and AIDS, etc. Many animals have a sixth sense which most people do not. They can have very sensitive noses, ears and eyes. They can detect distant smells and sounds; see objects even in the dark, under water and under ground. “I cannot speak your language But can merely make my animal noise To tell my master that My mind may be dull But my body is powerful enough To offer him my help With innocent and unpretentious eyes I offer my friendship to mankind” Animal Usefulness History has told us of human slavery in which humans were treated the way we currently treat animals. At present, human slavery is no longer legal. But that is not true for animals. Examples of these are: 1. Pets for pleasure. 2. Dogs as watchdogs. 3. Animals for food. 4. Hunting as a business: whales and sea lions. 5. Research: drugs, medical instruments, cosmetics, etc