Meagan Duhamel is saving another dog from Korean meat market fate

[aftershocks]

Not every culture think so. IMO Americans in particular carry things way too far with this idea of "my pets are my KIDS." Such anthropomorphism is beyond the pale into shear ridiculousness.

I understand there are cultural differences, but there is simply no excuse for people being inhumane in how they raise animals for slaughter. Maybe these practices are approached with an ingrained disdain or disconnect toward the animals that enables a disassociation from the cruelty. That goes for the U.S. too where there are vast abuses happening to cats, dogs, horses (wild and domestic), and to farm animals that often aren't widely reported.

In regard to issues of anthropomorphism, that's a related but different topic, IMO. One of the important things to consider is how animals have aided humans throughout our evolution, and that all animals, both wild and domestic who are closer to nature may actually be trying to teach humankind lessons we are simply reluctant to acknowledge, much less to learn.

Treating animals raised for food humanely and allowing them to have good lives prior to slaughter is so important.

Actually it is important, because when people eat animals who have been tortured, they are ingesting that terror as well. I think it's more humane not to raise animals for slaughter. This is probably an ethical, evolutionary as well as nutritional topic that is worthy of discussing in classrooms and public forums. Animals are closer to nature, and in that sense they do not fear death. But subjecting torture and physical abuse upon animals instead of treating them with good care and reverence for the nutritional sustenance they provide, is probably one reason why the world is fast hurtling towards apocalypse.

​

 

[Japanfan]

IMO Americans in particular carry things way too far with this idea of "my pets are my KIDS." Such anthropomorphism is beyond the pale into shear ridiculousness.

Um, we do know that our pets are not people. The term that is commonly used is 'fur babies'.

But if the love we have for our animals in our hearts is no less than the love we have or would have for human children, is that not a good thing? Do you think that animals do not deserve so much love, simply because they are animals?

IMO love does not have limits. Interestingly, this was something I learned from dogs. I once had two dogs and introduced a third dog, a puppy, to the household. I worried that three dogs would be too many to love properly, maybe because of the time involved. But it came easily, in part because the dogs just adjusted to the situation.

Dogs are social creatures, and for many, the more people the better! Bandit would love to have a pack of 20 humans!

 

[Japanfan]

I understand there are cultural differences, but there is simply no excuse for people being inhumane in how they raise animals for slaughter.

The excuse is the almighty dollar. Raising animals humanely costs more money - for example, giving chickens and pigs adequately large and clean spaces to live in. That cost would be transferred to the consumer.

To give another example, I have friends who raise cattle for beef. The cattle spend the last period of their life being fattened up in the abatoire. Getting them to this point on grass alone would take much more time, adding on cost for both the farmer and the consumer.

Healthier meat from animals raised humanely, or said to have been raised humanely, is available. But the cost is so much more than regular meat. Poor families in particular could not afford it.


Also, I saw a documentary on animals used in labs in Canada. These animals - mostly monkeys and dogs, beagles being the lab dog of choice - live their entire lives in cages, and labs were sterile environments lacking in stimulation. Someone who had worked in the labs was interviewed, and that person said she had to make sure not to look into the eyes of the animals, because it haunted her.

The documentary did have a happy ending in that a bunch of beagles were set free. But many of them are just euthanized when they are no longer useful.

And labs in animals are used for things like cosmetics testing. I am totally opposed to testing a cream on a pig to see if it causes a rash. IMO if humans want to use cosmetics, they should bloody well test the products themselves.

Maybe these practices are approached with an ingrained disdain or disconnect toward the animals that enables a disassociation from the cruelty.

I think this is common.

In regard to issues of anthropomorphism, that's a related but different topic, IMO. One of the important things to consider is how animals have aided humans throughout our evolution, and that all animals, both wild and domestic who are closer to nature may actually be trying to teach humankind lessons we are simply reluctant to acknowledge, much less to learn.

Well said.

But subjecting torture and physical abuse upon animals instead of treating them with good care and reverence for the nutritional sustenance they provide, is probably one reason why the world is fast hurtling towards apocalypse.

Yes, and because it's part of the paradigm of how we live. That disconnect is based on a disconnect with nature. Capitalism is one key dimension of the paradigm, and capitalism is predicated upon exploitation.

Unfortunately humankind has not come up with an alternative to it and most people are dependent upon it. There is sustainability, but it's in the early states as a system, and is unfortunately not (or not yet) harmonious with capitalism.

There have been some people who have got out of the system by homesteading in the woods - 'going back to nature' - but let's face it, this is not a realistic option for most people.

 

[aftershocks]

^^ I agree with much of what you are pointing out. I am aware of the laboratory testing abuses, and I was thinking about that when I posted earlier. Horrific, and I still don't think there's any excuse for any of it. The autistic writer Temple Grandin has done a lot of good trying to work with the farming and other animal-related industries to prevent, limit and correct some of the worst abuses, particularly related to raising cows. It's a good idea not to purchase cosmetic products unless it can be confirmed the manufacturers do not engage in animal testing practices.

 

[Artistic Skaters]

In regard to issues of anthropomorphism, that's a related but different topic, IMO.

ITA - I know artists who have built their livelihood around anthropomorphism. Someone who paints a pig in a skating dress may or may not want to save dogs in Korea. We need to earn a paycheck just like everyone else.

 

[Japanfan]

The autistic writer Temple Grandin has done a lot of good trying to work with the farming and other animal-related industries to prevent, limit and correct some of the worst abuses, particularly related to raising cows. It's a good idea not to purchase cosmetic products unless it can be confirmed the manufacturers do not engage in animal testing practices.

There was an autistic women who did a similar thing, going into slaughterhouses and identifying what scared the cows the most.

And I'm glad to say that for the most part, I do not purchase cosmetic products as I do not wear make-up, excepting foundation and lipstick on rare occasions. This was not motivated by love of animals to start off with. I wanted to wear make-up when I was young, as young women do, but was was allergic to the kinds I tried.

After that, on the rare occasions when I tried make-up again, I just felt like my face was covered in paint (which it is).

Plus I wear eye-glasses, which are very forgiving of bags under the eyes.

 

[aftershocks]

There was an autistic women who did a similar thing, going into slaughterhouses and identifying what scared the cows the most

It must be the same person. I've never heard of any other autistic woman other than Temple Grandin who works with cows, although most autistic people have an affinity with animals. Grandin has written a book on the topic, and there's also a documentary about her work to help farmers understand the physical needs and temperaments of cows.

 

[Japanfan]

It must be the same person. I've never heard of any other autistic woman other than Temple Grandin who works with cows, although most autistic people have an affinity with animals.

I saw the name 'Temple' and assumed it was a man. So you are probably correct that it is the same person.

 

[Japanfan]

Anthropomorphism at its finest (canine Christmas dinner hosted by a cat).

Enjoy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhg7Xm4FXAY

 

[Artistic Skaters]

A viral version a la William Wegman for the next generation.

Gus Kenworthy got his new pet from the dog meat farm. His post says all the dogs from this farm are being adopted by Canadians & Americans.

*** Gus Kenworthy adopts another Olympic puppy after visiting Korean dog meat farm :
http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/gus...pic-puppy-after-visiting-korean-dog-meat-farm

 

[Bonita]

I'm a vegan and the reason is my former meat rabbit Hope. As an American I thought eating pets such as dogs, cats and rabbits was "gross," which led me to feel like a hypocrite eating other animals. I gave up meat cold turkey (bad pun!) and don't miss it. Same with eggs. My only struggle was cheese.

Not being a militant vegan freak, but always have been curious why Meaghan skates in the leather Edeas (Concerto) when they offer two vegan boots that a ton of the top skaters use (Ice Fly or Piano). I'm assuming they don't work for her feet? I love my Ice Flys, but they were a big adjustment.

 

[Japanfan]

Not being a militant vegan freak, but always have been curious why Meaghan skates in the leather Edeas (Concerto) when they offer two vegan boots that a ton of the top skaters use (Ice Fly or Piano). I'm assuming they don't work for her feet? I love my Ice Flys, but they were a big adjustment.

I had a BF who was a vegetarian once, in accord with an Eastern/Indian spiritual practice, but wore leather. His justification was that the animal was dead already.

 

[allezfred]

I guess it's crucial for you to get your digs in and to wield your oneupmanship, self-importance, and snooty, self-righteous negativity whenever you see an opportunity. Carry on.

Oh boy. Where to start at the lack of self-awareness in this post? I guess all I'll say is that when it comes to one-upmanshp, self-importance and snooty, self-righteous negativity I am not fit to tie your shoelaces.

Oh and you are a massive hypocrite about this issue. Don't blame me for what you yourself posted.

 

[aftershocks]

Oh boy. Where to start at the lack of self-awareness in this post? I guess all I'll say is that when it comes to one-upmanshp, self-importance and snooty, self-righteous negativity I am not fit to tie your shoelaces.

Oh and you are a massive hypocrite about this issue. Don't blame me for what you yourself posted.

Hmmm yeah, right back at you @allezfred. Why you would think I'm blaming you for anything is once again your gnarly OTT take. Ah well, re your shoelace-tying difficulties.

 

[allezfred]

Hmmm yeah, right back at you @allezfred. Why you would think I'm blaming you for anything is once again your gnarly OTT take. Ah well, re your shoelace-tying difficulties.

My take is that your logic is fcucked up.

I personally stay away from eating beef, pork, lamb, etc., although I still eat chicken, turkey, and fish. I've never eaten venison, and I prefer almond milk and coconut milk over any form of cow's milk. To eat dogs, cats and horses, and actually raise them for slaughter. I just can't understand that practice.

 

[aftershocks]

My take is that your logic is fcucked up.

Aha! Because your thinking is that way. But what else is new. Go find another target ya ol' scalawag.

 

[Japanfan]

My take is that your logic is fcucked up.

Well, it may not be logical, but we tell ourselves stories and provide rationales for all sorts of things that we do, not only eating meat.

As I've said, I eat meat because I am a hedonist. If I were an ascetic, it would probably be easier for me to give up things I like on principle. In principle and as an animal lover I oppose meat-eating - I would live more easily with people eating meat if animals were raised humanely and slaughtered in a way that did not induce fear or panic.

I simply do not have the discipline to follow any sort of limited diet really, because I have a very demanding, deadline driven, and exhausting job. It takes up pretty much all of my discipline.

Is this logical? I don't know. But it is true.