My neighbor raises chickens in her backyard.
Are they considered pets? If so, what happens if she decides to eat one of them? Can the police arrest her for “animal cruelty” or “pet for food”?
Also, what about the eggs they lay? Are they considered babies, pets, or breakfast?
Don’t get me wrong, I have a cat, too. Great friend and companion, and I would never consider eating him. But just because I consider an animal a pet, does that mean that all domesticated animals are pets and cannot be eaten? If so, why? (Many Asian people consider dogs and cats to be food. And don’t fool yourself into believing that their isn’t more than a handful of asian restaurants throughout the US that are not using dogs & cats rather than chicken & pork on their menu.)
Not endorsing the idea. Just asking a question.
I raised two pigs that lived a long time (6+ years), definitely pets. When they got old, I killed 'em and tried to eat 'em. Too damn tough.
I have had cats all my adult life, probably 25 cats all told so far. Have two now, going on 15 years old each. In the past I've had to kill some, when they got real sick.
Never tried eating them though. Not sure I would, since they'd have been sick and whatnot, not to mention I don't think I could do it even if they were well.
My opinion? Its your cat = its your business.
In some countries they raise guinea pigs commercially for food. Not my cup of tea, but if you wanted to raise them and eat them, what business is it of mine?
Its my opinion that most people would rather mind their neighbor's business than live as free men. Most people will gladly give up their own freedom in return for the right to mind their neighbor's business.
Like Ghandi once said: “For the starving, God comes in the form of food.” Not saying this guy was starving, but when people are, the whole concept of “pets” flys right out the window. An interesting study is when the Nazis tried to starve out the people of Leningrad during WW2. All the animals disappeared including the rats.