Animals have feelings too
Following the tragic death of a military dog handler Liam Tasker (Mercury, March 3) it has been reported that his army search dog has died.
There are many documented cases of pets who mourn the loss of their carers or die shortly afterwards. Some people may consider this phenomenon anthropomorphic, others may regard it as a coincidence.
However, it is widely accepted that animals experience a wide range of emotions and this fact is not unique to companion animals.
There have been more studies conducted and books written about animal behaviour in the last 30 years than in the last 2,000 years. Studies show that animals not only feel pain but experience suffering, distress, boredom, frustration, anxiety, depression and fear as well as pleasure, joy, elation and contentment.
Several abilities which were thought to be uniquely human have been observed, such as making tools and planning ahead. Animals are capable of altruism and co-operation.
A virtuous nature in animals is now being given scientific recognition and there is emerging evidence to show that some animals have a sense of right and wrong, fairness and consideration for others.
Sadly, despite this knowledge about animals billions of them are treated as commodities rather than sentient beings.
Mrs Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone.
4 Comments
by Matthias, Leicestershire
Friday, March 11 2011, 12:13PM
“You talk a lot about dogs Elizabeth, animals which have traditionally been our companions for possibly thousands of years.
In general they don't get eaten by humans. Perhaps you should focus on sheep, cattle and pigs as they are staples in the meat eaters diet. Our canine friends on the other hand enjoy a very privileged position in our society in comparison, perhaps because we can see a clear distinction between them and livestock.
I think Samuel L. Jackson put it best.
"But, a dog's got personality. Personality goes a long way."
In terms of animals being able to feel pain and fear, I agree, and their lives prior to slaughter is of concern to me. Once they are on the plate however I feel no guilt, it's called the food chain and we're at the top.”
by m, le3
Friday, March 11 2011, 11:41AM
“"
and there is emerging evidence to show that some animals have a sense of right and wrong
"
Like to see the evidence for that. Whose definition of right and wrong I wonder?
Infanticide is something we can all agree is wrong, and its common for male gorillas to kill the offspring of other males to assert their status. Gorillas are also amongst the most intelligent and captivating mammals. Applying human morality is often hard enough between different human cultures - applying it to higher primates is clearly a complete nonsense, let alone less intelligent animals.”
by Suecat2, Leicester
Friday, March 11 2011, 11:14AM
“I completely agree swith Elizabeth Allison and let's hope the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare if actioned, addresses some of these issues - non human animals should also have fundamental rights to be, in my view.
One of the problems with the human race is its arrogance in assuming it is the only important thing on this planet - let's face it how many other animals desecrate their own environment?
As for the comments by Arden - what can I say except that the human race isn't far behind!”
by Arden, Braunstone
Friday, March 11 2011, 10:41AM
“And among the animal kingdom we have carnivores, herbivores (vegetarian equivalent) and omnivores. Oddly some eat each other”