Joy Nicholson lives in New Mexico with 
| Stopping Animal Euthanasia: Is It Crazy to Hope for the Best? |
| Saturday, 31 December 2011 | Joy Nicholson | Blog Entry |
|
I love the optimism of this quote. I hang my hat on it. Admittedly, I wear hats only about twice a year on average. But what to do when one’s dream is that every animal (human and other) will be loved, cared for, cherished and wanted all its life? Sometimes I wish I had normal dreams, like winning the lottery, having perfect teeth, being a movie star or disliking Snickers bars. At least those dreams might be possible to realize in one lifetime. When it comes to wanting all animals to be loved and cherished, there is some hope on the human-animal front. We (mostly) no longer tolerate slavery and torture of our own species. Most countries have a place for unwanted children and old folks to go. We don’t euthanize humans just because they lack support and financial means. At least in 95% of the regions of the world. For non-human animals, the truth is stark; they are killed by the billions and billions. Even pet animals (pet—a word which should connote something fuzzy-‘n-heartwarming) are killed by the millions every year in US shelters alone. It’s true that rescue organizations (and individuals) can save some, if very few, animals. So Robert Stone’s utterance is applicable. And we rescue-people can cling to it. But it’s also true in the same way that a Snickers bar is ‘good for the health.’ If one is dying of a lack of calories—a Snickers is a godsend. Not so much the rest of the time. Let’s see. If the choice is being a fabulous winner on “Dancing with the Stars’ or just a measly 10%-reduction in animal death—or let’s say just a 2% reduction!—call me klutzy, geeky, ugly, two-left-feet. Anyday. Anytime. Please. I’m willing to settle for 1%, of course. Help the Earth, Spread the Word: Share this article with family and friends by clicking on the "Email This" or "Share This" links below right. Then see TODAY'S TOP STORIES. Comments
(1)
|
One of my all-time favorite utterances comes from my favorite writer, Robert Stone. He is quoted as saying, “Being a realist doesn’t mean believing the worst possible outcome will happen every time.”
Show/Hide comments
Thank you for your article. I too agree that killing wrong. Very rarely in my life have I found justification in the killing of any species - except maybe that annoying wasp buzzing around my infant son.
However, after reading your claim "We shouldn't euthanize animals", followed by your reason "Killing is wrong" - or killing is the opposite of loving, caring and cherishing - I don't know after reading your article what justifies this reason in support of your claim?
What would we do with all of these animals we save? Isn't the reason they end up in these shelters because they don't have anyone willing to love and care for them? Wouldn't a stronger argument (and perhaps a way to your 1%) be to ask us to stop breeding animals, like cats and dogs? Or perhaps to ask people to reconsider having a pet? Or, this is a stretch, but to put limitations on the number of animals one can have and restrictions on breeding them?
Saving these animals, although the right thing to do, doesn't seem to get to the core of the problem - too many animals. Or rather, too many animals bred or abandoned or uncared for.
So, I agree that "murder is wrong" in any form, but I am still wondering what you propose we do with the animals we would like to save.