Thursday, October 27, 2011

A Whale of a Tale

According to this article, PETA is now suing Sea World on the grounds that they are violating Amendment 13 rights by "enslaving" their killer whales and forcing them to perform for Sea World's profit. Just a few questions regarding applying human rights to animals came to mind after reading the article:
  1. Do animals deserve human rights if they have no accountability?
  2. Could the same argument be made toward any pet owner? (No doubt PETA members have pets...)
  3. Does this mean we can prosecute animals that kill people (or other animals)?
I was remembering a time a few years ago, when I was leaving a zoo and protesters were handing out literature on the evils of zoos. I thought about their argument, and I decided that these people might be a little short sighted in their argument. I can't think of a better way to produce affection or love of animals, than to make them accessible to the general public... and especially children.
After my son saw a Sea World show, his love for orca whales blew through the roof. Obviously, I believe that animals should be cared for appropriately, but these Sea World shows just might be the best PR the orcas could ever hope for.

1 comment:

  1. It's a good thing most animals don't live the 18 years it takes to vote. Think of all of the "animal whisperers" that would show up."What's that Tilikum? You vote for the democrat?" Speaking of Tilikum, I think there should be some manslaughter charges coming. He doesn't get off scott-free.

    Does this mean the goverment can't search a habitat without a warrant?
    Are Racoons no longer going to be forced to quarter soldiers?
    Bears can officially have their arms?
    You can't chase off a flock of peacefully assembled pigeons on public land?

    PETA is opening a can of worms without thinking too much of the ramifications.
    BTW, PETA puts kills an impressive number of animals at their shelters every year.

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