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Is eating dog meat immoral? Is eating dog meat immoral?
No, eating dog meat is not immoral No, eating dog meat is not immoral
Yes, eating dog meat is immoral Yes, eating dog meat is immoral
Eating dog meat is no more immoral than eating other livestock Eating dog meat is no more immoral than eating other livestock
Yes, eating any animal is immoral Yes, eating any animal is immoral
Eating meat is normal for the human diet, even dog meat Eating meat is normal for the human diet, even dog meat
Dog meat is a traditional and cultural food with religious connotations Dog meat is a traditional and cultural food with religious connotations
The practice of eating dog meat often originates from famine The practice of eating dog meat often originates from famine
As pet culture increases, the consumption of dog meat becomes tabooed As pet culture increases, the consumption of dog meat becomes tabooed
People have an emotional attachment to their pets and consider them family People have an emotional attachment to their pets and consider them family
The harvesting of dog meat results in abuse The harvesting of dog meat results in abuse
Eating dogs is only considered immoral from a Western viewpoint Eating dogs is only considered immoral from a Western viewpoint
Livestock like pigs and cows are just as intelligent and loving as dogs Livestock like pigs and cows are just as intelligent and loving as dogs
Meat should not be considered a sustainable food source. Meat should not be considered a sustainable food source.
All animals deserve to live All animals deserve to live
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Is eating dog meat immoral?
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Yes, eating dog meat is immoral

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As pet culture increases, the consumption of dog meat becomes tabooed

Dogs have had a long history of being man's best friend. People have an emotional attachment to their pets and consider them family. Not only that, but dogs are also partners with officers, fire fighters, and even act as therapy assistants.
Ricky Gervais
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The Argument

The first records of the domestication of dogs go as far back as 15,000 years ago. This long history of companionship demonstrates the close ties humans have had with dogs. With dogs' history of friendship with man, it is unfathomable for many people to eat dog meat. Dogs have personalities, much like humans do. Each and every one has their own individual characteristics which make them unique. Some dogs are quite calm bordering on lazy while others are high energy and always ready to go for a walk. Others are friendly to everyone while some dogs are aggressive to strangers. People argue that dogs are just animals when for some they’re more than that, they aren’t just friends but they’re family. They are smart and can remember routines, words, and tones. These qualities can also make them valuable assistants in everyday life, as therapy dogs, drug dogs, and guide dogs for the disabled. For most though they’re a furry best friend. With the global influence of American culture, and therefore pet culture, it may mean that dogs will be considered less of a menu item and more of a friend.

Counter arguments

The consumption of dog meat can be traced as far back as 9,000 years ago.[1] While dogs are intelligent and loving creatures the same argument can be made for many animals. Elephants, polar bears, cheetahs, and penguins are all animals that are fairly intelligent from all different corners of the animal kingdom. Each one raises their young for a long period of time until they're able to be independent on their own. Dogs are quite similar in this manner and have been known to adopt kittens or help humans in raising their own children. Dogs have the capability of being loving but they are still animals and like wolves, one of their closest genetic relatives, they have sharp teeth and claws and those can hurt. They have a history of being hunters, trackers, and attackers, which is why they are so often used in the police department to find criminals. While dogs are domesticated and have been for thousands of years this does not change the fact that people still use dogs for what they were originally domesticated for, hunting and food.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] Dogs are intelligent and loving creatures that have been human companions for millennia.

Rejecting the premises

[PR1] There are many animals that are intelligent and compassionate that humans consider food.

References

  1. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2011/05/earliest-american-dogs-may-have-been-dinner
This page was last edited on Monday, 21 Sep 2020 at 13:17 UTC

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