Just like we did to black people, and native Americans, etc...

Tradition is NEVER a good argument to make.

Sure it is as an explanation of an observable fact.

Do you always say incredibly stupid things or just today?

-Rudey

I would say this is a classic case of a "collector" which is a mental illness-I deal with people like this often and they are a challenge to say the least.

As far as the arguement of animals and people being the same-on some levels yes they are. They are entitled to (IMO of course)food, shelter, protection from the elements, ability to move around (i.e not be confined to a tiny square box or chained up), not be physically abused (or even mentally for that matter). People that do food animal medicine often have a different opinion-animals are a comodity and food source-I can't think that way. But, they are still entitled to have plenty of fresh food/water available and protection from the harsh elements (which in Texas can be 115 degrees during the day so they need some shade-pretty simple).

They are currently classified as property in Texas and thus prosecuting people for abuse can be difficult but laws are getting strictor. Part of me wishes they were not classified as property-that way people can get stiffer jail sentences. But, in this litigious society people then would start to sue for mental anguish etc.. and veterinary medicine will eventually end up like human medicine-outrageous prices, increased liability insurance for vets. and in turn this will be passed on to the client. Instead of a 50-150$ spay you will be looking at a 500$ spay. Only the rich would be able to treat their sick pet and I can guarantee there won't be medicaid for pets :).

Has anyone ever watched "Animal Precinct"on Animal Planet? Tose animal cruelty cases would break the coldest heart. Now I'm not a PETA person but do support the ASPCA. When you see a gorilla that can sign and express emotion, when you read of heroic acts by different species of animals, you have to stop and think that maybe the differences aren't so great.

One of my favorite show but yet usually depresses me that people would actually treat an animal like that

I agree that animals and humans are different, and I agree that animals are property. However, there is a big difference between my dog and my coffee table. If I want to collect coffee tables, beat the crap out of them, set them on fire, not feed them, inflict undue suffering by not dusting, then hey, I can. It's a friggin' coffee table. But if I were to do any of the above to an animal, I shouldn't be allowed to own one.

People should not be allowed to beat animals (except when they get on the good couch and destroy the new throw pillows;) ) and inflict undue suffering. I'm not a vegetarian. I eat meat. That doesn't mean that I don't want the animals to be treated respectfully during their short life.

There should (IMHO) be some legal classification for animals that is between human and coffee table. And I don't believe in this "guardian" crap. I need a guardian for my child. I need a kennel for my dog.

jh124 ,I like the way you explained that!

Good book-All creatures Great and Small.

I try to do it just slightly less than you do :)

Well either animls are property or they are creatures we have enslaved for our own uses or entertainment.

I am not sure what rights either status would give the slaves or property.

I don't advocate mean treatment, you don't have to own an animal so i look at it more as responsibility.

However, it really is an issue of enslavement. I am not sure how ethically correct that is to begin with no matter how much you love your slaves.

One thing I've learned-you can't own a cat! IT decides who it wants to hang out with!:D