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?

Why It’s Time to Put ‘Closed’ on the Pet Shop Debate

Pet shops that sell pups have been a target of many animal welfare organisation campaigns and lobbies for a while. For good reason. But why is it really harmful? How does it contribute to a vast number of animal welfare problems? And why should they really be shut down? 

Canistication

Do not feel puzzled if the word in this title does not ring any bells. Do not rush to look up the dictionary and don’t bother to Google it. Honestly, relax. This word has never existed and that is the sole reason I have felt it would be high time to write about it.

High Emotions

Animal welfare and protection-related issues always appear to be simple and self-explanatory. We have strictly determined opinions about what we should do, and how we should do it. Anyone stating his or her point of view sounds as if they are so strong-minded, it’s like they have found the philosophers’ stone. But if we want to have a breakthrough in some serious matter, we need to get rid of this black-or-white thinking and the sentimental self-indulgence that often goes with it.

‘Red in Tooth and Claw’

Each era and society has the sort of problems we avoid talking about or discussing. These are topics which are too uncomfortable to discuss, or just to mention them will cause a huge upset or a fiery argument. The same is true of animal welfare and protection.

Raising the Alarm on Designer Breeds

A new competitor for purebred dog breeders emerged some years ago. Heralding a new century, new achievements, new habits. Finally, the ‘evolution’ of new breeds has arrived for those who are bored with the normal ones. Please welcome the Alusky, the Bull Boxer, the Rustalian Terrier, and probably the most admired one, the Labradoodle. The revolution of breeds has arrived!

Sometimes They Come Back

Volunteering, supporting charities or committing any noble deed has become a sort of social trend. It shows the individual in a good honourable light. A society that is eager to change for the better is more prosperous than an apathetic one. Contributing towards and participating in animal welfare is in this same category of doing good, and is highly important for many of us. However, I’m going to shatter this perfect illusion just a little bit.