Unruly Behavior

Some researchers, with very little understanding of the food chain, are suggesting that we reconsider animal welfare in the face of their research that says animals are individuals with emotions and hopes and goals. They are concerned that the animals may be unhappy, and are not getting the proper care, comparing the animals to humans.

Ok, lessee..

1. They are not humans.

2. They taste good.

3. I didn't spend millions of years evolving, growing eyes in the front of my head for stereoscopic vision, developing an acute sense of hearing, and a taste for Roasted/Boiled/Fried flesh by worrying if my Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner felt any pain.

4. I don't think many other predators consider the pain they cause their meals either. Can you see two lions discussing, "Well, we could eat that delicious gazelle, but then his friends would miss him, his mate would be all alone, and his children would be raised in a heard without their father." Hell no. First, my example leads to the main gist of the problem, we are anthromorphizing animals to an extreme that is absurd. Second, gazelles are too tasty to pass up when you get the chance to eat one. If you're lower on the food chain and taste good, your fate is to be a meal for something higher up the chain.

5. If you would like to see a fictional, yet entertaining account of these nuts ideas taken to it's conclusion, I recommend reading The restaurant At The End Of The Universe by Douglas Adams. There you will meet a sentient being that has known since birth it has been raised to be food. It will even come to your table and suggest the parts of it that will taste the best.

Thanks Jake for the link!

Cows hold grudges, say scientists (28-02-2005)