Ethics& the Abuse Of Animals

We humans have established rules of law and ethical behavior. These rules of law and knowledge of ethical behavior is incorporated in our actions with other humans as well as our relationships with animals. Ethical behavior enquires our actions; this makes us ask ourselves questions so that we know where to draw the line. For example, my dog, Oakley, has jumped up onto the couch which is not allowed in my household; I yell “DOWN” and maybe give him a little pat on the back so he knows that what he has done is wrong. This is an example of the correct way of treating an animal when they have misbehaved. An example of crossing the lines through an ethical perspective would be if I were to have hit my dog repeatedly or if the dog were to have moaned as if it was painful. “Human beings are part of the animal kingdom, extending from single cell animals to us, and are the most complex animals in terms of knowledge, skills and behavior. One difference between us and the others is said to be that we are the only animal that is clearly aware of our own mortality. We have developed religions and other spiritual concepts to deal with this knowledge.” There is only one difference between humans and animals which is that we can grasp a concept of our actions. This gives us more of a reason NOT to harm an innocent animal, simply because we have that knowledge of the ethics behind it, and it’s considered unethical. This topic could be broadened and broken down into so many different categories. Animal’s abuse can be defined by many other factors such as animal testing, farming, smuggling, neglect, hoarding, bestiality, dog fighting, poisoning, etc. Each type of abuse can relate back to ethics and what we think is “right” or what is “wrong”.  In my opinion animal abuse, no matter what form it may be its still considered abuse and is immoral for humans to perform such an act.

The Ethical Issue. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. <http://wwwhsc.usc.edu/~mbernste/ethics.treatmentofanimals.html >.