"Animals are to serve humans"

[Madhuri]

I was wondering if the vegans here dress only with vegetal-tissue and syntethic clothes. Or do you use leather shoes or jackets, fur and stuff?

I (vegetarian, not vegan) try my best. For instance, I have never bought anything with fur. But it's really hard to get shoes that don't have leather. So I'm guilty there. Actually, I feel bad about the fact that I'll buy a pair of shoes and not even think about the fact that it's leather. It might not occur to me until some time after I bought the shoes.

Um, I think that's the only example of an item I've purchased that came from killing an animal.

 

[sandandfoam]

[youtube]FQMbXvn2RNI[/youtube]
Cows with guns - YouTube

 

[Oneatatime]

What do you think?

Are animals a mere slaves of we humans?

Are animal rights important at all?

Discuss

I think that the natural world in general is in need of protection from the uncontrolled growth and consumption of the human race. There is a common belief that humans stand above the rest of th world and can do with it what we want. In part this belief is driven by greed because a large amount of wealth is derived from exploitation of the natural world, but there is also a huge amount of ignorance regarding the impact which our exploitation has.

I see the world from a secular scientific position and so I don't see humans as above the rest of the natural world but rather part of it. In relation to animals I recognise that through evolution I share a genetic heritage with likely all life on this planet and therefore they should fall within my moral circle. Therefore animals, particuallly those capable of suffering and which may be sentient, deserve protection.

It's a shame I love meat so much otherwise I might consider giving it up.

 

[otokage007]

Um, I think that's the only example of an item I've purchased that came from killing an animal.

And woudn't be more moral to also eat the animal? I mean, if they are going to die because of leather, you can also eat them later.

 

[Madhuri]

And woudn't be more moral to also eat the animal? I mean, if they are going to die because of leather, you can also eat them later.

It's not like I killed the cow for its leather and threw out the body. Someone ate that cow. I don't need to spend money on the meat as well to support the industry further.

But if you are asking that if people are going to use leather, shouldn't they also use the meat, then my response is that yes, why not. However, my ideal world is one where cows and other animals are not being harmed by humans. I'm sure if there is the demand for alternative materials, humans will find them.

 

[idav]

I think that the natural world in general is in need of protection from the uncontrolled growth and consumption of the human race.

Chinese and India are winning that race.

Top three countries.

China 1,339,724,852
India 1,210,193,422
US 312,025,000

*note the US estimate is more recent
List of countries by population - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[otokage007]

But if you are asking that if people are going to use leather, shouldn't they also use the meat, then my response is that yes, why not. However, my ideal world is one where cows and other animals are not being harmed by humans. I'm sure if there is the demand for alternative materials, humans will find them.

Would you support a project to try to make other omnivore species into vegetarian? Or do you think this should only be done by humans?

 

[idav]

Would you support a project to try to make other omnivore species into vegetarian? Or do you think this should only be done by humans?

Shoot, why only omnivores? Them dern carnivores need to rethink their ways!

 

[whereismynotecard]

I'm an animal too. Baggins and I live to serve each other as BFFs.

 

[Maureen]

If the animal is used in all its resources, then sure. Eat meat. But to kill one for it's fur? Or it's horn because asians think it will make their you know whats larger? A resounding NO. Use what you eat. Don't kill it for thrills, brownie points, or just for their skin. Utilize ALL of it.
I'm not much of a beef eater. I do eat poultry and fish and eggs. Oh, and I love my bacon. But I most assuredly frown on hunters who only do it for a trophy on their walls. I'd love to get a few of those guys in my cross hairs for my own trophy wall.

 

[Madhuri]

Would you support a project to try to make other omnivore species into vegetarian? Or do you think this should only be done by humans?

You mean like genetic engineering? I'm not sure. If there are no serious/negative consequences to those animals or the environment then yes, I'd support it.

 

[Kathryn]

What do you think?

Are animals a mere slaves of we humans?

Are animal rights important at all?

Discuss

I can't speak for other religions but I'll speak for my own as a Christian.

I am a big supporter of animal rights. Just ask my two dogs and my cat.

The bible has a lot to say about how we treat animals:

The Bible actually has much to say in regard to animal abuse. In the beginning, God created the earth and all the creatures on it to be under the authority of humanity. He entrusted these beautiful elements of His creation to our care (Genesis 1:26). Our sinful nature causes us to abuse the animal kingdom, sometimes without even realizing it. Yet, God expects the Christian, above all others, to be sensitive to all of His creation, knowing that exploiting or abusing it shows a disrespect for God Himself. Abuse of anything that God made is not the character of God, but rather of the Evil One.
Domestic Animals: "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10). Throughout the Bible, God shows how He expects us to care for our animals in practical ways. In the Law of the Israelites, for example, one of the purposes of the Sabbath year of rest for the land, was to let the land lie fallow--and so that the poor as well as livestock and wild animals could eat from it (Exodus 23:11 and Leviticus 25:7). The Sabbath day itself was not only for humans to rest. God also commanded us to give our animals rest on the same day. (Exodus 20:10). He also commanded the Israelites to help both their friends and enemies when their ox or donkey had fallen over, or was carrying a burden too heavy for it to bear (Exodus 23:5 and Deuteronomy 22:4). In addition, livestock were also allowed to eat as they worked (Deuteronomy 25:4). Finally, God says to us in Proverbs 27:23: "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds."
Part of the reason that God anointed young David to be king over Israel, was that he was a good shepherd and could be trusted with the sheep under his care, even risking his life for them when they were attacked by lions or bears (1 Samuel 17:34). God knew that if David had this sort of heart for his sheep, he would be a faithful shepherd over an even greater treasure--the people of Israel.
Wild Animals--His eye is on the sparrow:In addition to domesticated animals, God also watches over wild animals and commands us to do the same. In Deuteronomy 22:6-7, God promises a long life to those who will watch over wild birds. If we rape the land or the creatures in it, what will sustain us in the future? He allows for the taking of eggs, but commands that we release the mother bird to continue living in the wild and reproducing as He intended. In Job 38:41, God says that He hears the cries of newborn ravens crying to Him for food. Jesus went on to say that God supplies food for the wild birds and that not one of them falls to the ground without Him knowing it.
Matthew 6:26: "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
These small, but kind and practical commands written throughout the Bible give us good insight into how God expects us to treat animals. Surely we will have to answer to Him for any abuse that we have committed against them. God created animals for us to love and to learn from. In them, we see our own dependance upon God illustrated in their dependance upon us. We can also see elements of our foolishness manifested in them (who has not seen a crowing rooster and laughed at the comic caricature of ourselves crowing to all the world in our foolish pride at times?) In addition, God also tells us to learn from their wisdom:
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8).
(Job 12:7-10 KJV) "But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind."
Bible.com

St Basil gave us this beautiful quote which sums up my beliefs perfectly:

"O God, enlarge within us the sense of fellowship with all living things, our brothers the animals to whom Thou gavest the earth as their home in common with us. May we realize that they live not for us alone, but for themselves and for Thee and that they love the sweetness of life even as we, and serve Thee better in their place than we in ours."

 

[fantome profane]

Would you support a project to try to make other omnivore species into vegetarian? Or do you think this should only be done by humans?

Shoot, why only omnivores? Them dern carnivores need to rethink their ways!

I have seen in a couple places recently that PETA is actually pushing a vegan diet for cats.
PETA pushes vegan diets on cats | Weird | News | Toronto Sun

Which I think is quite ridiculous and actually quite cruel to the cat.

 

[McBell]

I have seen in a couple places recently that PETA is actually pushing a vegan diet for cats.
PETA pushes vegan diets on cats | Weird | News | Toronto Sun

Which I think is quite ridiculous and actually quite cruel to the cat.

Well, what did you expect from a extremely fanatical group such as PETA?

 

[Acim]

Me and Mestemia are starting an organization called PETP, for short.

The way you all kill plants for consumption and pleasure is sickening. I'm not sure, or I mean, we're not sure where you get these bizarre ideas from, but it must stop now.

If you ever come near my pet daffodils, do not be surprised if I shoot you on sight.

Oh, and cook you up and eat you for dinner. Me and Mestemia are also thinking about starting an eatery serving human meat. We will have animals be the servers. Which is really what the title of this thread is about.

Btw Mestemia, this is my formal request to you for the partnership in these two organizations.

 

[elmarna]

If you are feeding cats a vegetarian meal...
You either know nothing about cats.
You are not likeing cats.
Or forceing you beliefs on a cat.
Any veternarian will tell you a cat is a hunter. It's DNA and support system needs and is based on protiens found in animal flesh. To deny any life what it needs is a cruel subject matter to post!

 

[Madhuri]

I've known people who only fed their cats vegetarian food. You can give them mock meats that they enjoy but they will go hunting for wildlife also. Carnivors have to eat meat.

Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivors. They can be healthy on a vegetarian diet as far as I know but probably be hoping for meat.

 

[McBell]

Me and Mestemia are starting an organization called PETP, for short.

The way you all kill plants for consumption and pleasure is sickening. I'm not sure, or I mean, we're not sure where you get these bizarre ideas from, but it must stop now.

If you ever come near my pet daffodils, do not be surprised if I shoot you on sight.

Oh, and cook you up and eat you for dinner. Me and Mestemia are also thinking about starting an eatery serving human meat. We will have animals be the servers. Which is really what the title of this thread is about.

Btw Mestemia, this is my formal request to you for the partnership in these two organizations.

Um...
sure.
But I have no problems with killing plants or animals for food.

 

[Acim]

Um...
sure.
But I have no problems with killing plants or animals for food.

uzz-bay
ill-kay

on the

umorous-hay
ront-fay

 

[Kathryn]

Ou yay aren't ay idding kay.