SM and Belly,

Look at the pictures.

Most people would be fully aware that cultural practices differ and help dictate choices about what creatures will go to the cooking pot.

However, even if a creature is destined for the table, there is no excuse for causing additional distress and cruelty.

Also, there are cases noted there where the animals were not killed for food.

I've farmed and my maternal relatives are largely farmers and graziers. Animals enjoy stress free, calm lives. On my farm we did our own killing and moved the animal away from the others. The end was fast and hopefully pain free.

Unnecessary barbarity in our culture doesn't justify cruelty anywhere else. We have it in our power to change the lot. It's a matter of choosing to be humane or choosing to be savage.

The other day my two cats caught a mouse in the yard. They spent the next 20 minutes playing badminton with the poor creature. When it was so stuffed that it wouldn't play anymore, they proceeded to tear it apart from limb to limb and then ate it. The week before it was a sparrow, having its wing feathers plucked ensured it couldn't fly away, they had a ball and it was funny watching them :)

Now don't tell me that feline existence is beneficial for the world.

No offence taken, Nicnoto, let me reassure you.

>>Obviously I have offended you<<

But it's easy to see how the confusion arose.

>>The self pitty is overwhelming, wait...no, that's compassion for other life. I can see how that is confusing.<<

You were bewailing man's failure to live up to what you perceive as obligations to the planet.

>>..don't tell me that that human existence is beneficial for the world<<

I suppose you could describe that more accurately as self-loathing. "Oh, what wretched human beings we are, we don't deserve this wonderful planet of ours, how utterly horrid we are". Which is not a particularly good look either.

On the other hand, it is probably more likely that you were simply employing a dramatic device, designed to draw attention to how wonderfully warm and compassionate you were to the plight of a few widdle doggies and fluffy pussycats.

>>I am aware of the horrifying acts men commit upon each other and I am equally disgusted in it.<<

"Equally disgusted"?

Well, that's all right then.

No animal should have to endure suffering whether it be farmed animals or fluffy pets.

Cultural differences mean diet may differ from one country to another. It is not about that, it is about doing minimal harm to an animal that we eat, allowing it to live a reasonable life and receive a quick or painless death. These very human values should not be easily dismissed in regard to treatment of animals.

An animal feels pain - it is abhorrent to think than a human being can inflict pain on another living being - human or otherwise.

Comparing it to breatharianism (oxygen feels no pain) is to exaggerate the situation and diminish the seriousness of the issue raised; but why let the facts get in the way of a good story.

Maybe some veggies,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrpqAnYEDpk

A tasteful (sic) way of putting the begging bowl out to the easily led, goes well with the caged nudes outside Maccas.

Do they actually 'save' animals? Not necessarily according to allegations in the US,

http://www.newsweek.com/2008/04/27/peta-and-euthanasia.html

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/

Thank you all for your understanding and point of views.

Pericles

I wanted to bring the pictures to the attention of the forum because they sicken me. THESE pictures were just one example.
For those who post "but this is worse" examples, in my point of view there is no justification, and to suggest that these particular cases of animal cruelty should not be felt for (or my expression dulled) because worse things happen, is disrespectful, ignorant and part of the problem.
"Now don't tell me that that human existence is beneficial for the world"
Human beings can be, but we're not. We have the ability to flip the coin and do good but we're still as selfish as ever. I don't see the connection to self loathing. I loath the people who hurt to feel good (one example)

Perhaps my initial post should have read "Why the unnecessary cruelty?"

Take from this thread what you will. Justify my responses how you will, I don't care. It seems few people understand but at least thats a start.

RawMustard

The difference is nature. Humans have a wonderful ability to feel compassion and they know better. Although some people don't employ that ability. The fact that you find humor in an animal being slowly torn apart when you can end its suffering is deeply concerning. People with this point of view will always exist, it's frustrating.