Halting The Use Of Puppies And Kittens As Shark Bait

[MorganGrayson]

Originally Posted by sarettah

On a more serious note:

I understand that people get upset about cute little puppies and kittens being used for bait. But what is the difference between using a cute little puppy or using an ugly old clam, or a chunk of beef, or a baby fish or any other living thing that may be used for bait, not to mention of course the cute little shark they are trying to catch.

It always seems to me that the folks most interested in legislating against improper treatment of animals are usually only in favor of protecting the cute ones.

First, Morgan has to control the urge to vomit on her keyboard that hit when she read that article.
Second, Morgan has to go pet all of her cats.

*deep breath*

OK...sarettah...this seems to be your day as "Fair Point Devil's Advocate." You're right. *Certain* animal rights people do seem to have a preference for only the "cute" animals. (Refusing to eat tuna because dolphins get caught in the net is a case in point. It's all right to slaughter the tuna, but not the dolphins. For those of you who know more about this, yes, I am fully aware that dolphins have a higher intelligence and are swimming in the deeper end of the gene pool...so-to-speak.)

However...we as a civilization have categorized animals. Certain are used for food (which as omnivores, we have as much right to do as lions on the Sarengeti...except for the "Killing it ourselves" part, which we do not do) and certain animals are labeled "pets." (There are other labels, but these are the two relevent ones.) Using "pets" for bait is going to cause a horrific knee-jerk reaction and logic be damned. It did in me and I try and work on the logical side of my brain and let it out to walk around as much as possible.

Something Wicca This Way Comes....
Cats and dogs are especially beloved of the Goddess. They are able to see past the veil, which is why the tend to freak out - or just respond, depending - in a house occupied by an entity humans may not be able to see. They have been worshipped at different times in history by different cultures. A lot of witches have cats as "familiars." (Look it up, gentle reader, if interested.)

Historians say dogs were among the first domesticated animals, used for companionship and protection. Our love affair with these two species has gone on for millions of years.

Attempting to drag myself back to the original point, you're right sarettah. We should care about *all* living creatures, not just the cute ones.

I'm going to send positive energy to Wicked Temptress now in the hopes I can help her up off the floor.