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SOC120: Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility Ethical Treatment of Animals

An essay on ethics and the social responsibilities of animal treatment.

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    ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS 1 Ethical Treatment of Animals Sandy Diaz (Echon) SOC120: Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility Instructor: Sam Palazzolo June 25, 2012 In your paper, you discuss the ethical treatment of animals using various ethical theories, including deontology, relativism, emotivism, and ethical egoism. How can deontological ethics guide pet owners to fulfill their moral obligations to animals, and how does it contrast with other ethical theories in determining the appropriate treatment of pets? Additionally, what role do animal welfare and animal rights groups play in promoting ethical treatment, and what impact does unethical treatment of animals have on both individuals and society? Word Count Requirement: 600 - 800 words

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    ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS 2 Ethical Treatment of Animals Ethical issue and the problem it presents Introduction Animals make good companions and are loyal to their keepers, hence once a person takes the initiative to keep a pet; it is his or her duty to take care of that animal. One major problem identified about some of these pet owners is the lack of knowledge of proper treatment of the animals they choose to keep, or they have a tendency to neglect the animals’ needs hence explaining the presence of strays. It is quite common to find an individual who owns a dog but rarely gives it a bath, feeds it once or twice a day and does not consider the balanced diet of the dog. The owner rarely gives the dog enough exercise and neglects it especially when going on trips leaving it by itself. Strays are animals that undergo neglect hence forcing them to run away in search of alternative means to survive on their own. The neglect of pet’s needs is an ethical issue that needs consideration. Animals, just like humans, have needs to be fed, health needs requiring medication, and good hygiene needs that require constant cleaning to prevent diseases or pest infestation (Sandoe & Christiansen, 2008). According to the Animals and Society Institute (2012), research indicates that there is a direct link between the treatment of animals and treatment of humans. The treatment of a person towards his or her pets will determine how he or she treats others and will enhance his / her level of responsibility. Apart from the presence of stray animals, another social problem created is a lack of sense of responsibility in individuals. A cruel habit towards animals shows lack of ethical morals in an individual and is extensible to humans, as studies indicate a direct link between human treatment and animal treatment; hence this is an issue requiring address by the public.

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    ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS 3 Therefore, based on the ethical theory of deontology, it is possible to justify fair treatment of animals and the legal and moral consequences related to lack of this fair treatment. How deontology can resolve the problem The issue of neglect and mistreatment of a pet can be solved using the deontology theory of ethics that is based on people doing what is ethically correct, while they adhere to their obligations and duties (Milligan, 2010). This theory emphasizes doing what is most beneficial to that being that people are obliged to; a theory brought forward by Immanuel Kant (1724 - 1804). He argues that for humans to act in a morally upright way, they must act according to duty. Through deontology, the individual’s motive to fulfill his duty renders the act morally upright rather than the consequence of the action. This theory is justified by arguing that a person has good will when he acts morally in respect of a moral law, and people follow such laws, as these are their duites (Cahn and Markie, 1998). This theory, as explained by Kant, states that one should always act as he or she would act towards humanity whether in others or in self. Hence, this renders the moral act, as it is aimed at bringing about the best action from the individual. Therefore, this principle should also be applied in the same manner to animals. According to Kant, the action carried out in a deontological manner must be aimed at attaining the greater good. By understanding their obligation to pets, owners will be able to take better care of the pets, as it is their duty. They shall ensure that they provide for their basic needs, which include good diet, good care, good hygiene and constant medical checking up by the veterinarian (Sandoe & Christiansen, 2008). Once people follow this theory, they become very consistent, as they understand their duties and it becomes routine for them to enact. This creates a sense of fulfillment, as the owner

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