Thoughts on the Dog Fighting Scandal
The brutes--meaning the people--involved in the dog fighting scandal should be punished to the fullest extent of the law and they should be shunned socially. Not only is the "sport" beyond cruel, but it involves training dogs to fight for purposes and in ways never seen in nature. Horrible.
The criminals engaged in this enterprise have not only besmirched the intrinsic worth of the animals involved, they have profoundly assaulted human exceptionalism by violating one of its major tenets: Our solemn duty to never treat animals cruelly or cause them harm for a gratuitous or frivolous reason.
I am also fascinated, as ever, by our reactions to the depiction of the fights that are running like looped tapes on the ever-voyeuristic cable news networks. Many seem more upset at seeing the dogs treated cruelly than they are by seeing people beaten or killed. I think that this reflects our greater empathy toward the innocent and the helpless. Thus, we react to cruelty against animals in much the same way that we do when children are abused.
We are the only species capable of that level of caring for those that are not "our own." So, this story is steeped in human exceptionalism: both in its violation and in our outraged reaction to those who would so undermine their--and our shared--humanity by treating animals in such a vicious and despicable manner.
posted by Wesley J. Smith @ 8:18 AM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
"I think that this reflects our greater empathy toward the innocent and the helpless. Thus, we react to cruelty against animals in much the same way that we do when children are abused."
I think you're right, but would add cuteness, pain, and loss of beauty.
For instance, consider the following:
1. cutting down a tree
2. picking a flower
3. stomping on a beetle
4. killing a rat
Which of the above would you cry for? In the right context which largely depending on the perceived necessity of the event, I would for each.
I can't bring myself to kill bugs, even in my own home. Rats, however, bring disease. Trees and flowers can be used, but not wasted.
None of the above should be purposefully driven extinct.
I don't feel the same about Smallpox or Ebola.
I agree that cute is also a major factor, which explains why many object so loudly to the harbor seal pup hunt, but would probably be less upset if adult harbor seals were being killed.
I try not to kill bugs, too.
"1. cutting down a tree
2. picking a flower
3. stomping on a beetle
4. killing a rat"
I get more upset about three and four. I have a device from The Sharper Image that "sucks in" a flying insect, only to let him/her out outside unharmed.
I don't believe Michael Vick owns one. He is OFF my fantasy football team.
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