When it comes to the different species, humans are embarrassingly simple.
There is no better example of this than the recent efforts of international groups - and many organizations in Canada - to save dogs from being eaten in Korea.
Okay, it is sad that Korean dogs are farmed for their protein and the conditions of dog farms recently broadcast via electronic and digital media are gut wrenching.
But have you ever walked through a pig slaughterhouse?
Come on, put down the BLT and think seriously about how ridiculous it is for westerners to worship and idolize some animals, while picking other ones out of their teeth.
It. Just. Doesn’t. Make. Sense.
Dogs are considered to be one of the smartest animals. So are pigs.
Research suggests that pigs have the intelligence of a three-year-old human. They can follow direction and are emotionally responsive. They have excellent long term memory. Heck they can even play video games.
How would we respond, as a culture, if our borders were invaded by foreigners set on closing down factory farms and spiriting our pigs away to distant shores where they can each be adopted and given a name and their own house?
Bacon is expensive enough, thank you.
This is not to suggest that it’s fine to go into the backyard and fry up Fido.
But it’s hypocritical and arrogant to assume we have the right to tell people on the other side of the planet what animals they should and should not put on the stove.
They eat cats over there too. Just sayin’.
Outrage makes us look silly, like we are so taken in by a pretty smile and soulful eyes that we are completely unaware we are still looking at an animal.
Millions of dogs are indeed eaten in countries like South Korea and Vietnam each year. Interestingly enough, dog jerky is a not-unheard-of snack in Switzerland, where it is usually enjoyed over the Christmas holidays.
But pork is the most widely eaten meat, accounting for just over 36 per cent of world meat intake. (Poultry and beef follow at 35 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.)
Where ARE the letter writing campaigns?
It needs to be restated here that this opinion is not meant to encourage people to eat dogs.
It’s just important to recognize, as we sit down for breakfast, that we aren’t really any different than people who do.
- AD