Nonsense on sticks

A recent bill in Spain proposes to give apes rights along the lines of humans. It has prompted much discussion on whether DNA similarities and connections guarantee animals equal rights. If the bill passes it would make torture, medical experiments on and the killing of apes illegal.

This makes some sense, since there is an argument that animals should not be submitted to torture or harmful medical experiments. The problem with passing bills such as this is where does it stop? Will protection have to be granted to other animals? One of the arguments to pass this bill is that apes have feelings and show emotion. However, cows can experience pleasure and fear as well, so does that mean we owe them Cow Rights? Clearly there is a difference between the two species and the situations, but an argument can be made for basically any creature that they deserve rights protection.

I don’t think a topic such as this needs to be legislated upon by a central government beyond a general guidance for all animals: prohibition of torture, cruel experiments and senseless killing. This provides a clear baseline that calls for the respect of living creatures and outlaws harm of them beyond self-defence and consumptive purposes.

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written by Stewart, July 18, 2008

I would say the main argument for giving primates rights - but not cows - is that primates are intelligent enough to have conversations with human beings about their feelings and ambitions. Our understanding of chimp brains suggests that torturing a chimpanzee could would be similar to torturing an 8 year old boy.

Cows have not been found to have feelings or ambitions in the same sense, however I would still support a proper Animal Bill of Rights, which granted animals the right not to be tortured, or mistreated when under the care of a human (e.g. pets, farm animals).

Written by Cate Schafer
Friday, 18 July 2008
A recent bill in Spain proposes to give apes rights along the lines of humans. It has prompted much discussion on whether DNA similarities and connections guarantee animals equal rights. If the bill passes it would make torture, medical experiments on and the killing of apes illegal. This makes some sense, since there is an argument that animals should not be submitted to torture or harmful medical experiments. The problem with passing bills such as this is where does it stop? Will protection have to be granted to other animals? One of the arguments to pass this bill is that apes have feelings and show emotion. However, cows can experience pleasure and fear as well, so does that mean we owe them Cow Rights? Clearly there is a difference between the two species and the situations, but an argument can be made for basically any creature that they deserve rights protection. I don’t think a topic such as this needs to be legislated upon by a central government beyond a general guidance for all animals: prohibition of torture, cruel experiments and senseless killing. This provides a clear baseline that calls for the respect of living creatures and outlaws harm of them beyond self-defence and consumptive purposes. Bookmark Comments (1) Subscribe to this comment's feed ... written by Stewart, July 18, 2008 I would say the main argument for giving primates rights - but not cows - is that primates are intelligent enough to have conversations with human beings about their feelings and ambitions. Our understanding of chimp brains suggests that torturing a chimpanzee could would be similar to torturing an 8 year old boy. Cows have not been found to have feelings or ambitions in the same sense, however I would still support a proper Animal Bill of Rights, which granted animals the right not to be tortured, or mistreated when under the care of a human (e.g. pets, farm animals). Write comment This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment. Powered by Azrul's Jom Comment for Joomla!