The Canine Non-Eugenics

It seems that anti-breeding propaganda has just been given a new lease of life now that ‘Canine Eugenics’ has become synonymous with the very name of Crufts, according to recent protestors. 

Victimisation

Animal cruelty and abuse is a common issue even in those societies where animals are respected and treated like the beloved companions they are. However ’We often hear in the news about animals being beaten, tortured and even murdered. The lucky ones who get help may have the chance to recover physically and mentally, others are not so lucky. And with each new case we ask ourselves: what is wrong with the heartless people, how can they commit such cruel acts?

Cuteness is The New Abuse

Animal pictures – and now also videos – are part of our everyday life. Cutie-pie puppies, kittens, bunnies, squirrels, kangaroo babies and astonishing couples of different species in funny situations grab our attention every day on Facebook. Without a doubt, we all like to be entertained in this delightful way. However, it’s worthwhile asking whether all these animals are having a good time along with us in every case.

Eaten in China

This article deliberately contains no horrific pictures.

China and dogs. Put both of these into the same conversation and the result: universal outrage because our four-legged friends are on the menu. The Western world has been struggling to put an end to the suffering and torturing of dogs for decades. However it seems to be a battle that cannot be won. Or is it possible we are just examining this subject from the wrong angle? 

Learning the Lesson

When we talk about how a dog can fit smoothly into human society, the key to success is how it can adapt to its environment on a daily basis to meet expectations in its behaviour. A badly behaved and uncontrollable dog is absolutely unacceptable in our society. Therefore we, in the best-case scenario, try to train them. There are many different sorts of discipline, tactics and points of view being debated on how a dog can be and should be trained the right way. But what is the ultimate educational method to prevent all the negative side effects which might be caused by unmanageable dogs? 

Overhumanisation

It has never been this easy to boost the cuteness factor by overloading the world with pictures and videos of furry animals. Dogs have become entertainers. There are tons of material on your smartphone to scroll through while you are sipping your morning coffee. Does this new role of dogs in human society do either our beloved pets or us as owners any favours? Can we say they also become happy by making us happy?

The Genetic Paradox

Recent animal welfare movements claim equal rights and treatments for animals, just like humans have. But can we really treat animals exactly the same as human beings?