The great English philosopher Jeremy Bentham (1748 – 1832) wrote in Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation:
It may come one day to be recognized, that the number of legs, the villosity of the skin, or the termination of the os sacrum, are reasons equally insufficient for abandoning a sensitive being to the same fate [as a human slave]. What else is it that should trace the insuperable line? Is it the faculty of reason, or perhaps, the faculty for discourse?…the question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?
Unlike wild animals, pet cats and dogs are bred by humans, which makes us responsible for them.
Please consider giving one of them a home, or donate to an animal shelter. Here’s the link to the good folks who rescued the two dogs in the video: http://www.HopeForPaws.org.
Avoid national outfits that spend most of their funds on administration, ads, and solicitations. Give to your local animal shelter instead. Even $1 helps.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
And if you have a cat and dog, make sure s/he is microchipped so that, like the dog in the video below, if your pet ever gets lost, you’ll be able to find your dear companion.
~Eowyn