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

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ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS1Ethical Treatment of AnimalsSandy Diaz (Echon)SOC120: Introduction to Ethics & Social ResponsibilityInstructor:Sam PalazzoloJune 25, 2012In your paper, you discuss the ethical treatment of animals using various ethical theories,including deontology, relativism, emotivism, and ethical egoism. How can deontological ethicsguide pet owners to fulfill their moral obligations to animals, and how does it contrast with otherethical theories in determining the appropriate treatment of pets? Additionally, what role doanimal welfare and animal rights groups play in promoting ethical treatment, and what impactdoes unethical treatment of animals have on both individuals and society?Word Count Requirement:600-800 words

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ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS2Ethical Treatment of AnimalsEthical issue and the problem it presentsIntroductionAnimals make good companions and are loyal to their keepers, hence once a person takesthe initiative to keep apet;it is his or her duty to take care of that animal. One major problemidentified about some of these pet owners is the lack of knowledge of proper treatment of theanimals they choose to keep, or they have a tendency to neglect the animals’ needs henceexplaining the presence of strays. It is quite common to find an individual who owns a dog butrarely gives it a bath, feeds it once or twice a day and does not consider the balanced diet of thedog.The owner rarely gives the dog enough exercise and neglects it especially when going ontrips leaving it by itself. Strays are animals that undergo neglect hence forcing them to run awayin search of alternative means to survive on their own. The neglect of pet’s needs is an ethicalissue that needs consideration. Animals, just like humans, have needs to be fed, health needsrequiring medication, and good hygiene needs that require constant cleaning to prevent diseasesor pest infestation (Sandoe & Christiansen, 2008).According to the Animals and Society Institute (2012), research indicates that there is adirect link between the treatment of animals and treatment of humans. The treatment of a persontowards his or her pets will determine how he or she treats others and will enhance his / her levelof responsibility. Apart from the presence of stray animals, another social problem created is alack of sense of responsibility in individuals. A cruel habit towards animals shows lack of ethicalmorals in an individual andis extensible to humans, as studies indicate a direct link betweenhuman treatment and animal treatment; hence this is an issue requiring address by the public.

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ETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS3Therefore, based on the ethical theory of deontology, it is possible to justify fair treatment ofanimals and the legal and moral consequences related to lack of this fair treatment.How deontology can resolve the problemThe issue of neglect and mistreatment of a pet can be solved using the deontology theoryof ethics that is based on people doing what is ethically correct, while they adhere to theirobligations and duties (Milligan, 2010). This theory emphasizes doing what is most beneficial tothat 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 uprightrather than the consequence of the action.This theory is justified by arguing that a person has good will when he acts morally inrespect 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 acttowards humanity whether in others or in self. Hence, this renders the moral act, as it is aimed atbringing about the best action from the individual. Therefore, this principle should also beapplied in the same manner to animals.According to Kant, the action carried out in a deontological manner must be aimed atattaining the greater good. By understanding their obligation to pets, owners will be able to takebetter 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 theveterinarian (Sandoe & Christiansen, 2008).Once people follow this theory, they become very consistent, as they understand theirduties and it becomes routine for them to enact. This creates a sense of fulfillment, as the owner

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