English Language IIA
Debate 10: Animal Rights
Owner:
L-LIIA-G10-1
Members:
ST-LIIA-G10-1
ST-LIIA-G10-2
ST-LIIA-G10-3
ST-LIIA-G10-4
ST-LIIA-G10-5
ST-LIIA-G10-6
ST-LIIA-G10-7
Discussion Leaders:
DL-LIIA-G10-1
· L-LIIA-G10-1
FORUM debate 10/Animal Rights
Group Name: Eagles
Group members: ST-LIIA-G10-1, ST-LIIA-G10-2, ST-LIIA-G10-3, ST-LIIA-G10-4, ST-LIIA-G10-5, [ST-LIIA-G10-6 & ST-LIIA-G10-7]
STEP 1
Individually write and post an introductory paragraph about yourselves together with four icebreaking questions to get started. Make sure you answer some of the questions posted by the other members of your Google+ community.
· ST-LIIA-G10-1
Hello everyone!
My name is ST-LIIA-G10-1, I’m 19 and I’m currently studying English Studies at the Universitat de València.
What I enjoy the most is reading and drawing, alongside with travelling and keeping track of politics.
I also find it entertaining to make up bizarre stories and theories in my mind and imagine myself travelling through time and space. I’m mainly passionate about Literature and History (particularly History of Art), but also about other fields of knowledge such as Politics, Mythology and Philosophy.
Here go my ice-breaking questions:
1. If you could travel to any past era, which one would you choose and why?
2. You are told to close your eyes and picture an idyllic place, your own Paradise. What does it look like?
3. What work of art (book, sculpture, painting, song…) speaks to you personally?
4. Why do you think man feels the need to discriminate «the other» (be it the animal, the woman, the foreigner…)?
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
Hi everyone,
My name is ST-LIIA-G10-4, I’m 18 and I’m studying English Studies at the Universitat de València. I’m afraid I can’t name all the things I’m interested in but I’ll try. Two of my passions are music and cinema. I’m also interested in reading and writing (by the way, I’m currently writing a story). Talking about books, my favourite genres are sci-fi, fantasy alongside with some historical novels ( I love reading about certain periods in history). Another important thing about myself : I’m a talkative person ( my classmates can say😂).
Anyway, here are my ice-breaking questions :
1- Why do you feel attached to certain music band or soloist?
2- Have you ever thought about writing?Why?
3- If you could be friends with an artist that’s not longer with us, who would you choose? Why?
4- Do you think that these traditions which are based on hurting or, frankly speaking, killing animals should be stopped?
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
+ ST-LIIA-G10-1 I’ll try to answer your questions unknown person ( I love you )
1- I’m not really sure about this since I have two eras in my mind but if I have to choose just one I’d choose the 70s.
2- Obviously, I’ve dreamed about an idyllic place but I don’t feel like sharing it really because it’s a bit more personal than you think. Actually, it’s a really simple «paradise».
3- To be honest, most of SHINee’s songs but one particular song composed and sung by Jonghyun💙 called «White t-shirt». It’s a song that really hypes my up.
4- This is quite long so I’ll try to make it simple just by using one sentence : They are scared of others. ( Once again this is SO simple but I think it summaries the main reason )
· ST-LIIA-G10-1
+ ST-LIIA-G10-4
Now I’ll go on and try to briefly respond your ice-breaking questions💙
1. I’d say people feel attached to certain musicians because of the human need to idolise, to have someone to look up to and devoutly worship. This reverence is a result of the combination of love for their music and fondness for the musician’s persona.
2. Yes. I’ve thought about writing and I have done so. But I’m too self-demanding to ever feel satisfied with the product of my work. I’ve thought about writing because I’m fascinated by the idea of creating beauty (be it through words or through painting). Writing gives you the opportunity to capture ideas and translate abstractions in a way that enables you to share thoughts, communicate feelings and express the inexpressible.
3. This is a hard one. I believe my choice would be between Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, Lord Byron and Frida Kahlo. (I like to imagine myself meeting them when daydreaming)
4. Yes. Violations of rights should never be tolerated in the name of tradition. The appeal to tradition is a fallacy that should not be accepted as a valid reason to defend certain practices. We must speak up and do everything that’s in our hands to put an end to every single custom that violates animal rights.
· DL-LIIA-G10-1
Hello everyone, my name is DL-LIIA-G10-1, and I am 23 from South Wales, and am one of the discussion leaders for this topic. I study French and Spanish at the University of Bristol and I am here for 6 months as part of the Erasmus scheme. Before I arrived in Spain, I was a student at the Sorbonne in Paris, where I lived for 6 months (also as part of the Erasmus scheme).
I am loving Valencia, but cannot wait until the weather is warmer so that I can finally head to the beach and get a tan! I would love to know more about you guys, so would everyone post something about themselves? Would you guys want to do an Erasmus year? And what do you love about Valencia? Are there any places I should visit during my stay? Don’t hesitate to ask me anything you want to know!
· DL-LIIA-G10-1
Hey guys, I have been reading a couple of articles to do with the American athlete, Gus Kenworthy, who recently adopted a dog from South Korea, a country where dogs are farmed and killed for their meat.
I found an article that highlights the poor conditions that the dogs are kept in, as well as the huge numbers of them that are killed in the country for meat every year. While I personally don’t like the idea of eating a dog, some people have argued that this is a part of Korean culture, and that the actions of Gus Kenworthy are an example of ‘cultural colonialism,’ meaning that he imposed his cultural beliefs on South Korea, believing his views to be superior.
Please give the article a read and think about the following:
Do all animals deserve the same amount of respect? For example, why is it unacceptable to not eat dogs, but it is acceptable to eat pork?
Also do you think that animals should be given rights in general? Please explain your opinions as much as you can!
I will do my best to answer any questions that you may have, please get back to me!
DL-LIIA-G10-1
· ST-LIIA-G10-3
Hi everyone! I’m ST-LIIA-G10-3 and I’m almost 19 (only one more week!) and I’m studying English Studies at the Universitat de València! At first I wasn’t really sure about studying this degree but that’s changing! I really love travelling, as well as music and acting! I used to play the piano and I love classical music and I sing all the time! I really enjoy acting, this gives me so much energy and I’m really keen on theatre, cinema… And I absolutely would travell around the world! So now, I give you my questions!
– In which ways do you think music is a therapy for people? And it is useful for animals?
– Should we have more contact with animals in our childhood?
– which book relationed with travels would you recommend me?
· ST-LIIA-G10-3
+ ST-LIIA-G10-1 I’m gonna answer you!
1. I would go to the 19th century because it was a period full of revolutions and changes that had a strong effect to our actual society.
2. My idyllic place would be a field sorrounded by high and green mountains where I could relax, think about myself…
3. Any of the Miguel Ángel works of art brings to me new emotions, new feelings, knowledge…
4. I believe man needs to feel better than anybody else and it doesn’t matter how, also it seems that to trust with another people who isn’t in our friends group is so hard for men, I don’t know why, and also envy, mistrust, bad education…
· ST-LIIA-G10-3
+ ST-LIIA-G10-4, is your turn! Haha
1. Sometimes because their music involves some amazing feelings, sometimes because of musicians, and sometimes because I connect their music with any special moment of my life.
2. I’ve though about writing but not in english, in spanish. To write about my experiences, thoughts, adventures. But I’m not doing it at the moment.
3. I would choose Michael Jackson because he had such an interesting mind and his strange things or some actresses as Audry Hepburn…
4. I think traditions which implicate animals are not wrong, but up to a point, I think it isn’t necessary to kill animals, there’s a neutral point for everybody.
· ST-LIIA-G10-5
Hello, everyone! I am ST-LIIA-G10-5. I am an Erasmus student from Kazakhstan. I am happy to have an opportunity to study in a such beautiful city in Spain. In my home country I sutudy International relations, and here I study in the faculty of philology. Thus, I can say it is a great challenge for me. During this semester I want to have a great Erasmus time. My favorite hobby is dancing( I like almost all kinds of dancing: modern, traditional, hip hop etc). Also I really like traveling like most of the people, so I want to discover many places in Europe, and enjoy with the variety of culture. So guys, here are my questions: 1. What 3 things would you take to desert island? 2. If you had a chance, whom would you like be born again? 3. What love means to you?
· ST-LIIA-G10-1
+ DL-LIIA-G10-1 Here are my responses:
– I would definitely want to do an Erasmus year, probably in Germany, Ireland or Scotland.
– What I love about Valencia is its bright light (no one captures it as perfectly as Sorolla does in his paintings). I also enjoy strolls along beach in autumn and winter.
– While in Valencia you should definitely go and check out the Serranos Towers and the Quart Towers. They date back to the 14th and 15th centuries respectively. They are a must for anyone who loves history! It’s highly recommendable to visit The Museum de Belles Arts de València and the IVAM as well. Lastly, I would advise you to visit Vivers, a park in which you can spend a pleasant evening and relax (specially when it hosts the Book fair!).
· DL-LIIA-G10-1
+ ST-LIIA-G10-1 Yes I agree, Valencia certainly has some amazing lights, especially now during Las Fallas.
I do love history so I will definitely be going to check out those towers, thank you so much for letting me know about them, I will let you know what I think of them.
Thank you for all these recommendations!
Also an Erasmus year in any of those places would be amazing I’m sure!
· DL-LIIA-G10-1
+ ST-LIIA-G10-5 Hello ST-LIIA-G10-5, it’s nice to meet you. Yes, Valencia is a very beautiful city I agree.
Do you enjoy studying international relations? I also love to dance but my style of dancing hasn’t got a name haha.
Okay to a desert island I’d take some magazines, and if I were born again I’d be Rihanna as she always looks very tranquil. To me, love means feeling safe! Thank you for your questions ST-LIIA-G10-5!
· ST-LIIA-G10-2
Hi! My name is ST-LIIA-G10-2. Looks like the message I wrote last week wasn’t sent (I don’t know why tho) but well, I’ll try to remember what I wrote.
I’m 18 and I’m currently studying English Studies at Universitat de València. My favorite hobby is photography/taking photos and I love listening to music and travelling. I also like watching movies, but I honestly spend all my free time listening to music so I don’t really watch a lot of movies. My favorite musical genres are R&B and Pop by the way. I also like sports, especially basketball and tennis.
Here are my ice-breaking questions:
1. What’s your favorite season of the year? Why?
2. What’s your favorite song/book/movie?
3. Would you be able to live without technology (cell phone, radio, TV…)?
4. What’s your opinion on gun control (US)?
· ST-LIIA-G10-2
+ ST-LIIA-G10-1 I’ll try to answer your questions.
1. If I could travel to any past era, I’d travel to the 15th and 16th centuries. I really love the Renaissance period, so I’d love to see how life was then and meet artists like Michelangelo and Da Vinci (they were born and lived in these centuries).
2. I imagine a lot of trees and colored flowers. I also «see» a river and a waterfall like the one that is located on Navajas (Salto de la Novia).
3. I don’t have any work of art which speaks to me personally, but ballads with meaningful lyrics I can relate to always make me emotional.
4. That’s a good question. Maybe it’s because they’re scared of others. A lot of people have superiority complex and they don’t want other people to be better than them, so they feel the need to discriminate to feel that they’re better than the rest of the people.
· ST-LIIA-G10-2
+ ST-LIIA-G10-4 time to answer your questions!
1. When I really like a music band or a soloist, it can be because of a lot of reasons. One of them is the fact that, as I’ve said before, I really like meaningful lyrics I can relate to, so I appreciate the fact that a singer is also able to write his/her song’s lyrics. Other reason is talent and being able to sing live. This may sound stupid, but nowadays, a lot of singers can’t sing live their own songs (unfortunately), so I watch a lot of live performances to see if singers can sing live.
2. I actually haven’t. I don’t think I have enough creativity to be able to think about something I could portray in a book.
3. As you may know, Stephen Hawking passed away yesterday. I’d have loved to meet him because I’d learn a lot from him.
4. Of course! I’ll never understand how people can enjoy those traditions. Animals have their right to live, and because of this kind of «traditions», this right is being violated.
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
+ DL-LIIA-G10-1 Hi DL-LIIA-G10-1🙆
Yes, I’d love to do an Erasmus or maybe join the international program… I’m not really sure yet.
I love Valencia a lot, most people would say that they love Valencia causd of the weather and such but I really like the cultural heritage and diversity that Valencia has. Obviously, the weather is a bonus😂Well, now we’re on Fallas so I highly recommend you to go and visit some Fallas cause you’ll be speechless.
· ST-LIIA-G10-2
+ DL-LIIA-G10-1 Here are my answers:
-I’d definitely do an Erasmus year, but I still don’t know where I want to do it.
-What I really love about Valencia is that it has a lot of places you can visit even if you’ve been living there for a lot of time, so I never get tired of this city. Also, the weather is really nice.
-I highly recommend you the Turia River’s riverbed. I always go there when I go to Valencia (I don’t live in Valencia). It’s a good place to go for a walk, and you can take nice photos there!
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
+ ST-LIIA-G10-5 Hi ST-LIIA-G10-5✨
1-Um this is a tricky question. I’d take a series of books called «Las crónicas de la Torre»…I LOVE it and the other two well, I have no idea to be honest.
2- I’ve never thought about this before. Probably, BoA. She’s a Korean singer, dancer, actress and producer. She’s really down to earth, kind hearted and most important, she’s a powerful and gorgeous woman.
3- This is not really easy to describe because I think there are different types of love, for example, parental love, romantic love and so on. Even though, for me the main idea of love is to feel loved. That means to be accepted, respected…I think you get my idea.
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
+ ST-LIIA-G10-2 Hi there ST-LIIA-G10-2🤗
1- My favourite season is winter. You know living in Valencia the whole year makes me be a bit tired of the sun, that’s why I love winter ( even though it’s still sunny). The cold and the rain are perfect for me. Moreover, I like to kid of connect some people or thoughts to this particular season ( this might be a bit weird but anyway).
2- Well as I said, I love «Las crónicas de la Torre» by Laura Gallego. Also, Harry Potter ( HA, who doesn’t) my favourite one would be the third one. I like Terry Pratchett’s books too. My favourite film, Charlie and the chocolat factory ( Johnny’s version💙) and V for Vendetta. My favourite song, well I can’t choose. SHINee’s discography. Killer queen by Queen ( Although I love more).
4- We’re already in 2018 but Americans don’t seem to get that. Gun control is a MUST. I don’t see the point in having weapons at home now, like we are not living in the 18th century anymore, wake up! Let’s be real, what can we expect of a country that’s one of the biggest weapons’ producer?! Anyway, they must do something about this as soon as possible because this situation is getting out of hands.
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
Kind of* sorry for the typos😂
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
+ ST-LIIA-G10-3 Last but not least.
1- It helps people ( well me, I don’t know about others tho) to isolate from the rest of the world. By listening to music I feel free, I can rest and heal. Obviously, if it’s good for humans, it’ll be good for animals as well.
2- I think so because it’ll help you to appreciate animals from the very beginning.
3- This one is sort of typical «Around the world in eighty days». I read it when I was 8 and I like it a lot.
· ST-LIIA-G10-3
Hi ST-LIIA-G10-5! I’m gonna answer your questions!
1) I would take my best friend, a lighter and a knife!
2) I would like be born again Mozart.
3) To me love is a powerful feeling who gives you the passion to do whatever you like. If you love your parents you would do even the impossible to be with them and to help them, also with your friends, family…
PS: you could show us how nice can you dance!
· ST-LIIA-G10-1
+ DL-LIIA-G10-1 I’ve read the article and I believe this whole argument of «neo-colonialism» is rather fallacious (and «sjw»-ish). This is the same argument some Middle Eastern countries give when they are reprobated for violating human rights (‘Human rights are a Western concept’). I just don’t think someone who defends rights can be reproached.
Gus Kenworthy acted just like any human would have; we, as humans, are not capable of accepting the infliction of violence upon creatures we share bonds of affection with. It is only natural to not be able to bear with the idea of others eating the animals we live with. He acted out of compassion for another being, so there should be no room for criticism.
As for your first question: yes, all animals deserve the same respect. It is quite a tricky question because human consumption of animals is a reality that most don’t perceive as wrong. It’s a pity but I don’t think humans will ever stop feeding on animals and actually stop to think wether it’s right or wrong. But we also have to consider the fact that there are some animals we share our lives with and, therefore, believe more worthy of respect than others. I think this is something natural, since fondness comes with closeness; but I also believe we should try to see the bigger picture and realise all animals are equal and deserving of the same respect.
Lastly, in response to your second question I’d roundly answer yes. Animals deserve rights on the basis that they are living beings able to feel and suffer just as we are.
· ST-LIIA-G10-1
+ ST-LIIA-G10-3 here are my answers:
– I believe music is a therapy since it helps you evade yourself and leads you to a sort of trance that stimulates reflection. Music provokes a feeling of disconnection with the outside stimuli, providing an oasis of sorts in which to explore your individuality undisturbed.
It has been proved that animals respond positively to calm and soft music so I believe the positive effect of music on animals should be further investigated.
– Definitely! It is undoubtedly beneficial for children to be in contact with animals. It strengthens their bond with nature and fosters respect for all beings. Contact with animals has a great impact in children when it comes to the formation of values (empathy, respect, sensitivity).
– I agree with ST-LIIA-G10-4 on her choice; «Around the World in Eighty Days» is indeed a great book to fuel your wanderlust. But there’s no book greater than the Odyssey if you are looking for a book on the meaning of traveling. Absolutely captivating!
· ST-LIIA-G10-1
+ ST-LIIA-G10-5
➔ The three things I’d take to a desert island would be a pen and a diary to record my thoughts and experience, a knife and a boat (I don’t intend on remaining on the island and becoming Robinson Crusoe).
➔ I wouldn’t like to be reborn to be honest. I have still got an entire life ahead of me so I can’t really decide on a different life to lead. I guess if I had to choose I’d say J.K. Rowling (I would feel immensely proud of being the creator of Harry Potter).
➔ I suppose love means acceptance and appreciation of the other.
· ST-LIIA-G10-1
+ ST-LIIA-G10-2
1. My favourite season is winter hands down.
2. Oof, the three choices are pretty difficult to make. My favourite song would be one of the following: «Strawberry Fields Forever», «Eleanor Rigby» (both by The Beatles) or «Don’t Look Back in Anger» by Oasis. As for my favourite book, I’d say that is «The Picture of Dorian Gray» by Oscar Wilde, closely followed by Kafka’s «Metamorphosis» and Bram Stoker’s «Dracula». Lastly, my favourite movie is probably «The Silence of the Lambs», next to «Pan’s Labyrinth».
3. I wouldn’t be able to live without technology since I have been born in a technological world and so I have adapted to it. A lifestyle without technology would take a long process of adaptation for anyone who has lived in a technology-dominated world.
4. The lack of gun control in the US is inconceivable in a 21st century society. The situation is indeed tricky: gun ownership has been established in the social imaginary as as a key element of the American way, as a right protected by the second amendment. Moreover, the pressure of the gun lobby and the NRA is immense. Institutions and companies in the US, a country that represents savage neoliberalism like no other, aren’t for gun control because the gun business moves loads of money and restrictions wouldn’t fit in with their capitalist interests. Effective gun control would make the lives of American citizens safer without a doubt.
· DL-LIIA-G10-1
+ ST-LIIA-G10-1 I agree with a lot of what you’re saying, namely that all animals suffer and should be given the same rights as we are. However I think I definitely see both sides of the argument, just because an animal is cute and fluffy means that usually people care more for their wellbeing. For example, pigs are incredibly intelligent and friendly, yet due to their appearance a lot of people do not care whether they are eaten or not. Who’s to say that in another culture people take a similar stance towards dogs? And if this is the case then by Gus Kensworthy saying that the eating of dogs is immoral and awful is a little bit biased, as there are many other animals that suffer in the same way, but due to their less cute appearance are not given the same amount of attention.
I do not want to eat dogs, I imagine that the dogs are kept in awful conditions and that is terrible. Awful. However, I also think cows, sheep and pigs are also pretty adorable, and a lot of them are kept in similar terrible conditions, yet I haven’t seen many high profile cases of a celebrity saving a pig from the slaughter house.
I think his intentions were clearly of good intent, but i also feel he should start by looking at the treatment of animals in his own culture first
· DL-LIIA-G10-1
Thank you everyone for your great responses, they are really thoughtful, and you’ve put a lot of time into them.
In the previous article I highlighted the question: what is the difference between killing a dog for meat and killing other farm animals (pigs, cows, sheep) for meat?
I’ve been thinking more about this and I remembered something that happened from a year or two ago. A Lion, named Cecil, was shot and killed in Africa by American poachers. I remember there being a huge outcry on my social media, everyone I knew was posting articles and pictures of this lion and calling out for justice. I will post a link to the article below.
While I find it incredibly saddening that an animals life was taken in the name of sport, it does bring me back to the question: are all animals seen equally? Why did the death of one lion eclipse the media when millions of animals are killed by humans every day? Are all animals equal or are some more valuable than others?
Also, do you believe there is a difference in between killing an animal for food and killing an animal for sport.
I am awaiting your responses: D DL-LIIA-G10-1
news. nationalgeographic. com/news /2013/08/130802-lions-trophy-hunting-extinction-opinion-animals-africa-conservation/
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
Hi guys, I’ve found an article about bullfighting in Spain ( here’s the reference : The local.es,20160417, «Tensions are mounting over bullfighting tradition in Spain»)
It talks about how a bullfighter lost his life while fighting the bull. It mentions how everyone in that collective praised him, as well as the President Rajoy.
It also says that there are some places, like the Mediterranean coast, that have banned this practices already.
Personally, I think these practices should be banned. I mean, killing an animal just because it’s considered «popular culture» is horrible. What it caught my attention is another thing actually. I got my on my nerves when I read that the President praised the bullfighter. So here’s my question, how do you think our government should handle this whole situation of the bullfighting? Also, there are traditions that don’t necessarily kill the animal, what do you think about those?
· ST-LIIA-G10-1
+ ST-LIIA-G10-4 I’m tired to have to repeat such an obvious thing over and over again: bullfighting is torture and therefore should be banned. The fact that people actually defend it is just ridiculous. Of course our corrupt, good-for-nothing government defends this practice. Any decent government should prohibit bullfighting outright. I am aware that the most sensible way to approach it would not be a direct ban, but we simply can not keep this inhumane tradition any longer.
When you talk about «traditions that don’t necessarily kill the animal» I’m assuming you refer to «bous al carrer» and similar practices. These «traditions» ought to be banned as well. Many would complain, I know. But then again why are we thinking in the feelings of the «aficionados» and not in the lives of the animals? Even if the animals aren’t killed in these «celebrations», they still undergo great stress and some people always find it entertaining to «tease» the animal, poking and hitting him with sticks and canes. Why do people still think it’s fair to have fun at the expense of animals?
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
+ ST-LIIA-G10-1 I couldn’t agree more with you. This is just a curious fact. The past year, during San Fermín, they used puppets instead of real bulls with the kiddos. My point is, if you want to have these practices banned, do not show the kids how to…enjoy them, even if it’s with puppets, no. They should be banned asap and yet they did that just for the kids to have fun…no people, that doesn’t work like that, basically cause kids enjoy it and then think that it’s going to be cool with real animals as well and no. Also, I suppose that our government ( btw, you very well described them and I praise you for that) is doing nothing about it cause they’d lose supporters. And I agree with what you said about the «aficionados». They’re people who literally clap when an animal dies, I mean, why should we care about their feelings. They clap when that happens (#facepalm)… In conclusion, I agree.
· ST-LIIA-G10-3
+ ST-LIIA-G10-4 and + ST-LIIA-G10-1 I agree with you girls. I cannot understand how imbalanced is this country, and that annoys me. We have seen this the last two weeks. I think that traditions need a change, as there’s a lot of people who live from the bullfighting and that’s the life to many others, well, I understand that you cannot ban it from one day to another. But I don’t accept how people think that nowdays we are living exactly as if it was one century before. We need to chang. Traditions, if they continue having part of their essence can change and most of the people will understand. Or are we living with the same laws, government, culture of 1950? For me a solution would be that the government let teenagers and kids, who are the future of this country, spend their time in other interests, as for example CULTURE, but instead of that, going to the cinema or to the theatre for example, is too expensive because there’s no way to change it (I don’t know why) so young people need to spend their time in other things, and some of them fall in the world of bullfighting. And by this way, we can see the priorities of the money of the government. Do you think the same?
· ST-LIIA-G10-4
+ ST-LIIA-G10-3 Chapeau ST-LIIA-G10-3!!
English Language IIB
Debate 10: Animal Rights
Owner:
L-LIIB-G10-1
Discussion Leaders:
DL-LIIB-G10-1
· L-LIIB-G10-1
7w
FORUM debate 10/Animal Rights
Group Name:
Group members:
Discussion leader(s): DL-LIIB-G10-1
STEP 1
Individually write and post an introductory paragraph about yourselves together with four icebreaking questions to get started. Make sure you answer some of the questions posted by the other members of your Google+ community.
· DL-LIIB-G10-1
Hello everyone, my name is DL-LIIB-G10-1, and I am 23 from South Wales, and am one of the discussion leaders for this topic. I study French and Spanish at the University of Bristol and I am here for 6 months as part of the Erasmus scheme. Before I arrived in Spain, I was a student at the Sorbonne in Paris, where I lived for 6 months (also as part of the Erasmus scheme).
I am loving Valencia, but cannot wait until the weather is warmer so that I can finally head to the beach and get a tan! I would love to know more about you guys, so would everyone post something about themselves?
Would you guys want to do an Erasmus year? And also what do you love about Valencia? Are there any places I should visit during my stay? Don’t hesitate to ask me anything you want to know!
· DL-LIIB-G10-1
Hey guys, I have been reading a couple of articles to do with the American athlete, Gus Kenworthy, who recently adopted a dog from South Korea, a country where dogs are farmed and killed for their meat.
This article highlights the poor conditions that the dogs are kept in, as well as the huge numbers of them that are killed in the country every year. While I personally hate the idea of eating a dog, some people have argued that this is a part of Korean culture, and that the actions of Gus Kenworthy are an example of ‘cultural colonialism,’ meaning that he imposed his cultural beliefs on South Korea, believing his beliefs to be superior.
Please give this article a read and think about the following:
• Do all animals deserve the same amount of respect? For example, why is it unacceptable to not eat dogs, but it is acceptable to eat pork?
• Also do you think animals should be given rights in general? Please explain your opinions as much as you can! J
I will do my best to answer any questions you may have, please get back to me! Speak soon, DL-LIIB-G10-1
Edition .cnn .com /2018/02/10/opinions/kaye-dog-meat-farming-south-korea/index.html
· DL-LIIB-G10-1
Thank you everyone for your great responses, they are really thoughtful, and you’ve put a lot of time into them.
In the previous article I highlighted the question: what is the difference between killing a dog for meat and killing other farm animals (pigs, cows, sheep) for meat?
I’ve been thinking more about this and I remembered something that happened from a year or two ago. A Lion, named Cecil, was shot and killed in Africa by American poachers. I remember there being a huge outcry on my social media, everyone I knew was posting articles and pictures of this lion and calling out for justice. I will post a link to the article below.
While I find it incredibly saddening that an animals life was taken in the name of sport, it does bring me back to the question: are all animals seen equally? Why did the death of one lion eclipse the media when millions of animals are killed by humans every day? Are all animals equal or are some more valuable than others?
Also, do you believe there is a difference in between killing an animal for food and killing an animal for sport.
I am awaiting your responses: D DL-LIIB-G10-1
news. nationalgeographic. com/news /2013/08/130802-lions-trophy-hunting-extinction-opinion-animals-africa-conservation/
English Language II E
Debate 1: Animal Rights
Owner:
L-LIIEG10-G1-1
Members (G.10):
ST-LIIEG10-G1-1
ST-LIIEG10-G1-2
ST-LIIEG10-G1-3
ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
ST-LIIEG10-G1-5
Discussion Leader:
DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
· L-LIIEG10-G1-1
FORUM debate 1/Animal Rights
Group Name: Animal Print
Discussion Leader(s): DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
Group members: (G. 10):
ST-LIIEG10-G1-1
ST-LIIEG10-G1-2
ST-LIIEG10-G1-3
ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
ST-LIIEG10-G1-5
STEP 1: Breaking the Ice:
– Write and post an introductory paragraph together with four ice-breaking questions. Make sure you answer some of the questions posted by your group mates and the discussion leader(s).
STEP 2: Initiating the Discussion:
– With the guidance of the discussion leader assigned to your group, write 4 or 5 posts of about 200 words each during this month (try to write at least one post a week).
· DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
Hello everyone, my name is DL-LIIEG10-G1-1, and I am 23 from South Wales, and am one of the discussion leaders for this topic. I study French and Spanish at the University of Bristol and I am here for 6 months as part of the Erasmus scheme. Before I arrived in Spain, I was a student at the Sorbonne in Paris, where I lived for 6 months (also as part of the Erasmus scheme).
I am loving Valencia, but cannot wait until the weather is warmer so that I can finally head to the beach and get a tan! I would love to know more about you guys, so would everyone post something about themselves? Would you guys want to do an Erasmus year? And what do you love about Valencia? Are there any places I should visit during my stay? Don’t hesitate to ask me anything you want to know!
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-1
Hi DL-LIIEG10-G1-1, my name is ST-LIIEG10-G1-1, I’m a 23-year-old French Erasmus student and I live in Valencia since September. I come from Dijon in France and I study languages (English and Spanish), law, economics, communication and civilisation! I love living here, the city centre is great, there are plenty of green spaces, people are so friendly and the weather is far better than in France! I’m enjoying a lot my Erasmus experience and I wish it could last forever! However, I am not the right person to answer when it comes to the places you should visit here so I will let the Spanish girls from our group to help you!
· DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
Edition .cnn .com /2018/02/10/opinions/kaye-dog-meat-farming-south-korea/index.html
Hey guys, I have been reading a couple of articles to do with the American athlete, Gus Kenworthy, who recently adopted a dog from South Korea, a country where dogs are farmed and killed for their meat.
This article highlights the poor conditions that the dogs are kept in, as well as the huge numbers of them that are killed in the country every year. While I personally hate the idea of eating a dog, some people have argued that this is a part of Korean culture, and that the actions of Gus Kenworthy are an example of ‘cultural colonialism,’ meaning that he imposed his cultural beliefs on South Korea, believing his beliefs to be superior.
Please give this article a read and think about the following:
• Do all animals deserve the same amount of respect? For example, why is it unacceptable to not eat dogs, but it is acceptable to eat pork?
• Also do you think animals should be given rights in general? Please explain your opinions as much as you can! J
I will do my best to answer any questions you may have, please get back to me! Speak soon, DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-1
+ DL-LIIEG10-G1-1 Hello DL-LIIEG10-G1-1, I already know about all this industry in South Korea. I receive emails from Peta and from other animal rights associations because I am involved in this cause. As you said, this kind of debate and reaction is strongly influenced by the difference of cultures. Occidental people tend to think this is cruel because they consider dogs pets but they barely pay attention to the way they are treated before being murdered and eaten. Most of these people don’t even realise that the same things happen for cattle in their country. In France these past few years for example, many cases of mistreatment and torture in slaughterhouses have been revealed. Cows, porks and chicken are raised in miserable and inadmissible conditions but everybody doesn’t know or doesn’t want to know about this. They only see the “meat” and completely forget about the living being. They don’t think about the whole process before becoming meat under plastic film in supermarkets. They don’t think about what animals endure and the stress and fear they have to face with on their way to slaughterhouses because the majority of people doesn’t know that animals have feelings.
When it comes to the cultural gaps, as I am an Erasmus student and that we are in Spain, we could also mention what happens during (and before) the corridas. Here it is a traditional event (although more and more Spanish people want to stop it), but in other countries, this is just torture and public massacre in order to entertain people. I think this is hard to know where the limit is between defending principles about animals and judging other cultures. This is why it would be easier if animals were given rights because we would only focus on their living conditions. I would like to add as an answer to your question that for me, all animals should be treated with the same amount of respect otherwise it would be unfair and somewhat illogical.
Concerning animal rights, I totally think that they should be given rights as they are living being and part of our daily lives in a more or less direct way. This must be forbidden to mistreat any animal just because we, Humans, think we are above everything that surrounds us (this is the case for animals but also for the environment). If animals had rights, they would be raised decently in farms, ivory/leather/fur trade would stop (or drastically decrease at least), we would stop using animals for entertainment and experiment and so on… But things are not that simple. Even if it would help a bit, it would not solve every problem. Indeed, we have human rights but we still violate them outrageously so…
It makes me think about other questions:
1) What do you think about animals in circuses and zoos?
2) Do you know how they are treated and are you aware of what happens behind the scene?
3) Do you think it is the right place for (wild) animals?
4) What other alternative solutions there would be to replace this?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-5
+ DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
Hi DL-LIIEG10-G1-1,
My name is ST-LIIEG10-G1-5, I’m 21-years-old and I come from France so if you want to improve your french, just let me know, I will be glad to teach you more !
I’m studying translation at the University of Valencia as I’m part of an Erasmus exchange this year. I really love Valencia, it’s very different from my little city in France because there is always something to do: go to the beach, go for a walk in Turia, go cycling and visit all the beautiful places in this city ! Moreover, I’m keen on the culture of this country and Spanish people’s kindness !
I can suggest you to go to Peñiscola and Alicante, two cities not far from Valencia, I’m sure you will enjoy it !
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-5
Hey DL-LIIEG10-G1-1,
I have just read the article about dogs which are slaughtered for their meat in South Korea and, if I tell you the truth … I didn’t know that there were so many dog meat farms. I can hardly believe it ! As you said, the idea of eating a dog is also inconceivable for me as I see dogs as man’s best friend. It not only happens in South Korea with dogs, but also all over the world with other animals for the food industry. Unfortunately, the consumer society is based on this idea: no matter the living conditions of animals, provided that we have meat on our plates !
Concerning your first question, I can’t help thinking that all animals deserve the same amount of respect because sub-breed doesn’t exist. All animals deserve respect so they can live their lives free from mistreatment, suffering and abuse. This planet belongs to all creatures living on it and a life is a life so it should be valued.
Moreover, the human race is the leading species in this world but does it give us the right to kill, torture, abuse, starve, be cruel or slaughter other animals ? I’m not really convinced about it ! Why does it illegal to kill another person, but somehow, it is okay to hurt animals ? This leads to my final point regarding respect for animals: all animals deserve the same amount of respect because they all can suffer and sense pain in the same way and to the same degree that us !
Related to your second question and from my point of view, no one is asking for animals to have the same rights as humans, but in an ideal world, animals would have the right to live free of human use and exploitation and in an ideal world, animal would be no longer used for food, clothing or entertainment. Similarly, the reason that animal rights activists want animals to have rights is to prevent them from suffering unjustly. This question made me think about a famous quote from Anthony Douglas Williams who said « Animals have few rights, but they have the rights to be here ».
I have a couple of questions that come out of yours:
1) About animals and fashion: what do you think about using fur and skin to create clothes whereas nowadays it is easy to make synthetic material ?
2) How to convince fashion designers stop using animals for clothes ?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-5
Dear ST-LIIEG10-G1-1,
I found your questions very interesting !
First of all, I think that animals in circuses and zoos are more likely to become despondent and depressed because they spend their days in small cages and most of them develop abnormal behavior patterns as incessant pacing, swaying, head-bobbing including harming themselves. That’s a shame !
Actually, I really became aware of all the bad treatments on animals in circuses after having heard recently about the death of a tiger which escaped from a circus in Paris. Circuses are forcing animals to perform, they are abused and punished every day. Many animals like elephants, tigers, lions or camels suffer during transport, training and performance. When not training or performing, animals are kept chained or caged with not enough space to walk, with little food and water and without kindness. While training, animals are frequently beaten with stick in order to force them to perform dangerous or to perform exactly the way animal trainers want.
Moreover, many animals used in circuses are bred in captivity in a stressful environment. But I think that all animals need to be and stay in their natural environnement without being disturbed by humans, even less being teared away from where they live.
Last but not least, in order to answer your final question, I know that it exists so many entertaining circuses that don’t exploit animals so one of the best solutions would be to better control circuses and zoos for the well-being of animals.
If you want to read more about animals in circuses, I found a very interesting article: https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/circuses/
All this reminds me other questions about animals rights:
1) What do you think about illegal wildlife trade such as poaching of elephants for ivory and tigers for their skins and bones ?
2) Can you think about radical solutions to avoid this big illegal business ?
3) Do you think that illegal wildlife trade causes short-term problems or long-term problems on fauna ? Why ?
· DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
Thank you everyone for your great responses, they are really thoughtful, and you’ve put a lot of time into them.
In the previous article I highlighted the question: what is the difference between killing a dog for meat and killing other farm animals (pigs, cows, sheep) for meat?
I’ve been thinking more about this and I remembered something that happened from a year or two ago. A Lion, named Cecil, was shot and killed in Africa by American poachers. I remember there being a huge outcry on my social media, everyone I knew was posting articles and pictures of this lion and calling out for justice. I will post a link to the article below.
While I find it incredibly saddening that an animals life was taken in the name of sport, it does bring me back to the question: are all animals seen equally? Why did the death of one lion eclipse the media when millions of animals are killed by humans every day? Are all animals equal or are some more valuable than others?
Also, do you believe there is a difference in between killing an animal for food and killing an animal for sport.
I am awaiting your responses: D DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
news. nationalgeographic. com/news /2013/08/130802-lions-trophy-hunting-extinction-opinion-animals-africa-conservation/
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-1
+ Hi ST-LIIEG10-G1-5!
Regarding your first questions, I have to say that I am strongly opposed to the use of fur/leather in the fashion industry. As you said, today it is easy to make vegan fabrics or synthetic materials to replace fur or leather but it must be hard for fashion designers to consider synthetic materials luxurious. It is a long way to go before changing this in people’s mind. Even though more and more famous «maison de haute couture» tend to become cruelty-free, it is still a big and current issue. Fur industry is massive and I think only perseverance can stop it. Luxury brands could set an example by claiming that everybody should care about animal rights and if luxury brands behaves this way, the fashion industry in its largest term will follow. Maybe some law that would prohibit the use of animals in fashion industry could help to solve this problem, but I guess that this is not governments’ priorities. People have to spread the word about those vegan/cruelty-free materials. Media can help changing this trend. And designers who chose the fur-free way can show the others how faux-fur can also be a synonym of quality and luxury.
By the way, do you know what veganism is? Do you think it can contribute to the non-exploitation of animals? Would you stop wearing fur/leather and change for a synthetic material?
I look forward to reading you 🙂
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-1
+ DL-LIIEG10-G1-1 I remember the story of Cecil. It was the last black lion in a South African reserve and a person working there was bribed by a rich and stupid American man who wanted to kill it and bring its head back to America in order to add it in his deadly collection of trophies. And yes, everybody found this was unacceptable, the whole world was shocked and wanted this guy to go to prison whereas the same happens everyday to elephants and rhinoceroses for their ivory and to many other wild animals for their fur or for nothing. So definitely I would say that not all animals are seen equally. I even think that there is a kind of unconscious “hierarchy” at animals level. And this may vary according to the country you live in. For example, as we already mentioned, in occidental countries it is a shame to eat dog meat while in Asia it is something usual. In India, cows are sacred wheres in most of the occidental countries it is a common meal. Also, I think people feel more concerned when it comes to endangered species, otherwise, they don’t worry or don’t even think about it. Because there are a lot, so there is no problem. It said that the rarer a thing is, the more valuable it gets, it may also apply to animals. Maybe the more endangered species are, the more important they become in the eyes of humanity.
To answer your last question, I personally believe that both are cruel. But hunting just for “sport” is also morbid and even sick. At least, even if it breaks my heart to write this, when animals are raised and killed for their meat, it is made on purpose to feed people. Whereas hunting, nowadays, is just for “pleasure” and ‘entertainment”. It used to be with the aim of eating what you have hunted in the past not anymore today.
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-2
Hi everyone, my name is Gabi, I am twenty five years old and I’m from Dominican Republic.I have been living in Spain since I was 5 years old. At the moment Im finishing my degree at classical philology and this year I started the degree at translation. I know a little bit of greek and i’m really interested in the korean culture. About your question on things to do in Valencia, I don’t live near Valencia but I can recommend you a few places I enjoyed such as the parque Gulliver. This park recreates Gulliver’s body on a large scale which you can climb and slide down. Another places you must visit, if you are in Valencia, are L’Oceanogràfic and la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the most famous buildings of the town.
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-2
In relation to the article, as I said in my presentation I know a little about Korean culture and therefore I was aware of this problem. As the owner of two German shepherds I am totally against the consumption of dog meat and much less the existence of this type of farms. I think we all knew about the consumption of dog meat in both Korea and China, but thanks to the celebration of the Olympic Games in Korea the spotlight has been turned on the abuse and poor conditions in which dogs live. As a result, some measures have been adopted, such as the closure of some facilities or the adoption of dogs. It is an issue that concerns us all! I hope that these farms have not been closed only to give a good image to the country, but to make the Korean society aware of the rights of animals and the treatment they receive in these places.
Regarding your questions, I do believe that all animals should receive the same respect. As my partner Philippe has commented before, we are all living beings and as such we have certain rights. This matter, in my opinion, could be compared with the rights that women want to achieve, equality. It is true that it is impossible from one day to another to stop consuming meat, but it is important the treatment that we give them and the conditions in which they live, since we live with them and they are a essential part of our lives, like the dogs are for us on a personal and emotional level.For example, in the West the dog is considered the man’s best friend and therefore the consumption of dog meat is a taboo. On the other hand, we can find a similar case, but now is the pig the animal that they do not consume. In Muslim countries it is prohibited to eat pigs because their religion considers it an impure animal. So, what is the answer to this question? Why there are different habits in each country? We come to the conclusion that everything is culture, that is, it is something that is rooted in each nation. It is a practice that has been done for a long time so it will be difficult to eliminate, but not impossible to achieve.
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-5
+ DL-LIIEG10-G1-1
First of all, I don’t think that all animals are seen equally. It sounds wonderful but the near impossibility it is to make that idea a reality. Indeed, as a society, we cage and consume some animals, but treat others like valued members of our families. The idea that dogs and cats are pets, snakes and spiders are scary and chickens and pigs are dinner is deeply fixed in our customs. It makes me think about Hal Herzog’s book entitled « Some we love, Some we hate, Some we eat » who deals with the paradoxical ways we think, feel and behave towards animals. But why do we see animals in such different ways ? I couldn’t explain it. Maybe because people think that some animals are more worth saving than others … (that’s not my point of view). I believe that all animals deserve the same degree of consideration.
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-5
+ ST-LIIEG10-G1-1
Yes, of course ! Veganism is a way of living which tries to exclude, as much as possible all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Veganism is becoming increasingly widespread ! Concerning your second question, I really believe that veganism can contribute to the non-exploitation of animals to the extend that vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, which includes meat, fish and shellfish, dairy, eggs and honey. Nowadays, more and more people are choosing to substitute animal foods with healthy and tasty alternatives. With all the options available to us, replacing animal products with plant-based items is easier than it has ever been before. Moreover, vegans do not wear or use clothes, shoes or furnishings made with the skins, hair or feathers of other animals, including fur, leather, wool, feathers and silk. Outside of supermarkets and restaurants, there are other, even simpler steps we can take to avoid contributing to animal exploitation. When buying clothing, for example, we can choose alternatives to fur, leather, wool, and feathers. There are many other materials at our disposal, including cotton, hemp, polyester, and microfibers fabrics made from various materials. Finally, I would like to say that I never used to wear fur or leather clothes, except once when I received a leather belt and a winter jacket with fur for my birthday or when my mother bought me leather boots when I was a child. As a consequence I will not have difficulties to stop wearing clothes made with leather or fur.
By the way, what do you think about animals used in cosmetic testing ? What are the alternatives to animal testing ? Have any countries banned animal testing for cosmetics ?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-3
Hi everyone! I’m ST-LIIEG10-G1-3. First of all, sorry for being so late, I had some troubles and I didn’t be able to joing to the forum before. Related to me, I’m 28 years old and I live in a town near Valencia. I like reading and seeing films or series in my free time.
My personal recommendation to DL-LIIEG10-G1-1 is if you want to taste a real horchata, you must go to Alboraia, there is literally no other place (not even Valencia) where you can taste a real horchata.
Bye!!!
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-3
+ ST-LIIEG10-G1-5 + ST-LIIEG10-G1-2
Hi!
In my opinion, the answer is in how we see humans to animals. We tend to project our own thoughts and qualities in them, and for that reason, we see as deserving of more kindness animals that we believe are more intelligent (like dogs or dolphins) than those we consider more dangerous (such as spiders or snakes), even more considering that we are programmed to fear them because of our primitive heritage.
As a result of this projection of human qualities into animals, we tend to believe that they feel and think in exact ways to us and that is why we forget the primitive component that exists both in them and in us.
That they are worthy of respect and recognition, as well as living in nature in their own environments does not mean that they can leave their instincts aside, this thought is naive and I would like to know how we would act in this situation once the animals and humans will be equated in rights.
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
Hello everyone,
I am ST-LIIEG10-G1-4 and I am 27 years old. I am studying the first Translation course. I live in Valencia, in a town very near to the city. I live in Valencia since I was born, althoug I would like to do Erasmus in a different country like you. It should be an enriching experience.
DL-LIIEG10-G1-1, I think I can suggest interestin places in Valencia because I know all the best sites. If you want to know the most vintage and alternative neighborhoods of Valencia, you can go out to dinner or take a beer for «Ruzafa» or «El Carmen», my favourite place. On the otherhand, if you prefer to listen to the best music on the beach and to know the most chik ambient, I recommend «Marina Beach Club» , you will find it near to the port of Valencia. I hope I have been helpful.
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
In relation to testing animals, there are currently people who believe that testing animals is to try a cream on their skin in case they get an allergy, but it is not only that, the tests generate fetal genetic damage, irritation of the skin and eyes, Toxicity in which animals are poisoned, sensitization of the skin causing allergies to see the result that can cause cancer.
This is where we have to be vigilant, since when tested on animals is to verify that it does not pose a risk to human health, so they are proving toxic. If the society was aware of not consuming cosmetic products with toxic substances, it would not be tested on animals nor would we have ingredients in our body that could pose a risk to our health.
I recommend that people learn about Cruelty Free and Toxic Free products, they are assuming a change in the industry. Not only to make it more sensitive to a totally inhuman practice but to make it safer and healthier. We should consume the alternatives that exist in the market, the Cruelty Free brands that have a logo of a white rabbit on the base plate and non-toxic products that are natural and therefore stop testing on animals. Do you think that products containing toxic substances should be eliminated from the market even though they are effective in our routine?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-3
+ ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
Hello, ST-LIIEG10-G1-4!
Your question is really interesting. I think that tests with animals for this purpose should end, it does not make sense to try products like these, only for aesthetic purposes, since in reality it is putting forward the physical beauty of a person before the integrity of a living being.
On the other hand, we also have the products for medicinal purposes, what should we do in this aspect? It is clear that if we try them in humans from the beginning, we risk killing the subjects that participate in the test, but this same thing happens with the animals, they are tested in them to harm the smallest number of possible people and thus reach the human subjects with a high probability of being viable .. but is this ethical? Clearly it is cruel, but is it not partly necessary? In any case, is it correct to pass so many animals through this type of cruelty so that we can survive certain diseases? What could we do about it, do you think of something?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-2
+ ST-LIIEG10-G1-1
From my point of view both, circuses and zoos, are two different type of cells for the animals. For example, in circuses the animals suffer emotional and physical damage. The treatment they receive and the environment in which the animals live are devastating. It is know that the animals are not given the possibility of walking around and move. Therefore they are locked up all the time. What is more, they are beaten with whips and other painful tools to make them perform dangerous tricks to please the audience. Also there is always the possibility that the animals get scared or try to escape and it could be extremely dangerous for the animals and the people around them. And it is frequent that those situations end with the death of an animal who just wants its freedom. A circus is not the place where an animal must be. The best solution, as ST-LIIEG10-G1-1 suggested, to this problem is promote animal- free circuses where the only performers are clowns, contortionists or acrobats, for example.On the oher hand, at zoos the animals suffer emotionally and develop strange behaviour due to the confinement and the monotony. Even humans get depressed when we do the same thing over and over again! I am of the opinion that a zoo should only held animals which are in danger of extinction and then return them to their habitats.
I would like to know your opinion about these questions:
1) What do you think about cosmetic surgery on pets?
2) What measures could be taken to eliminate this practice when the motive is only aesthetic?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
Gabi, I have to tell you that in response to your question, what do we think about pet aesthetic operations? I have to tell you that Spain has adopted a law in February that prohibits aesthetic surgeries in pets. The cut of ears and tail to change the natural shape involves the remodeling of the contour of the auricle to make the ear is erect, in proportion to the head and body of the dog. After this procedure, the amputated ear is fixed so that the muscles and cartilage are firm.
It is an aesthetic that animals do not give them naa. Before it was so that the animal has the most aerated ear canal. As the unnecessary and dangerous nature of these practices began to be known, the ethics of many veterinarians became a priority and they stopped doing it because of what people who do not know medicine do.
They decided that these practices were not necessary because of the suffering and loss of expression suffered by the animals, in addition to all the problems that can be generated by these types of surgeries.
The new law prevents the cutting of the tails of dogs and cats, their ears or the claws of cats. Be for aesthetic reasons to keep a model assigned to a certain race. Do you consider that domestic animals such as dogs and cats that live in homes with owners are deprived of freedom?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-3
+ ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
Hello!
I think that in a certain way they are deprived of freedom, after all it is not a proper choice, to live or not in a house.
On the other hand, they are animals that tend to seek human contact, so I suppose that in the case of living in freedom, somehow they would end up getting closer to the people and sticking to people (which explains how they ended up becoming domestic animals).
Your question leads me to these others:
– What about the exotic animals that end up living in houses, like snakes, spiders, etc? Do you think that its sale is correct or that some people consider them pets?
– Have you heard about the trafficking of exotic animals?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
Hello ST-LIIEG10-G1-3 in answer to your question of whether it is correct to have exotic animals at home I think it comes from people who want to have more than they already have and decide to snatch an animal from these characteristics of their true home. and try to adapt it to a life that is not yours and so you probably never agree. The reasons why you should not be allowed to have these animals at home are because they are not accustomed to living enclosed in four walls surrounded, they want and need to be free. They need to fly, Hunt, run, mate and sleep in the sunlight and at home they cannot do so, therefore they should not be condemned to live in these conditions.
Another important reason is that it promotes hunting, because they have to be captured under cruel methods and remain in bad condition until someone buys them, I think that should not contribute to this cruel business. And finally most of these animals are in kind of extinction, because there are few in their natural environment, so implies that not being in their environment can not reproduce. Do you think there should be a law that penalized have exotic animals at home?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-3
+ ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
Hello ST-LIIEG10-G1-4,
Yes, I think that this type of animal should be under legal protection, because although they are well cared for, they should not be outside their natural environment, regardless of whether or not they are well cared for.
In addition to this, I think it would be important to do a work of awareness with people, to be aware of the type of situations that these animals go through, as you said, there are mafias that are dedicated to the trafficking of these species, gaining a lot of money thanks to it and in many occasions, treating the animals that are going to sell in a horrible way, since they only worry about the money they can get for it.
The following questions I would like to leave to you is:
– How do you think climate change is affecting animals?
– And what about the exploitation of land, whether protected or not? Do you think it is affecting the animals in some way?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-2
+ ST-LIIEG10-G1-3 I am of the opinion that wild animals must be in their habitats, not locked in a cage. It is a fact that wild animal cannot be domesticated, they cannot be tamed suddenly.For instance, it took us thousands of years to domesticate dogs. Just Imagine how much would cost to tame wild animals!
Another important problem to consider is the safety of the owner, his family and the people around him. If you want to know about some incidents with exotic animals, you can read this article:https://www.treehugger.com/endangered-species/6-tragic-stories-exotic-pet-ownership-gone-wrong.html.
In relation to your question, I am aware of the ilegal trading of animals. The great demand of animals mainly from Africa and Asia endangers already threatened species such as elephants, tigers or rhinoceroses. Moreover many of these animals fail to reach their destination due to the poor conditions in which they are transported. The first step to eradicate this problem at its root is imposing harsher penalties to hunters and those who buy this type of animals.
I would like to know your opinion about these questions:
1)Do you consider that hunting as a sport should be eliminated?
2)What solutions would you propose?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-3
+ ST-LIIEG10-G1-2
Hunting in general does not make much sense today. As a sport even less, since it means enjoying animal suffering at the hands of humans. the animals, obviously, suffer great stress in such situations, to end up dying for no reason beyond that a few people have paid for such questionable entertainment. These people threaten animals in their natural habitat, in many cases protected species, to take a trophy, which is clearly worrisome. As a solution, the only way to stop these practices would be an international law that protects animals from practices as useless as these, since it is not hunting for survival.
Do you think that a possible solution to all these situations could be some kind of international agreement?
What else do you think could be added to this pact for the protection of animals?
· ST-LIIEG10-G1-4
Hello ST-LIIEG10-G1-3 in answer to your question I must say that there are movements that fight to make the law real. The current situation is that the representatives of the Governments and the international organizations interviewed for this study point out that in order to succeed, the focus of the fight against the trafficking of Species has to reach the essence of the problem, changing the Behavior of people who consume, offer, and in one way or another benefit from the traffic in wild lives. We are approaching, with the commitments made in Rio, the recent CITES meetings and other global platforms. The next epaso is that governments and the international community meet their commitments and take responsibility for their actions or lack of actions.