Is it cruel to keep pets?

[lisati]

There are two kinds of cats in my street. One kind is well adapted to hanging around while I'm helping Mrs Lisati with domestic chores, getting under my feet while I'm hanging out the washing, and having a prowl looking for food it can bludge off me. The other kind is better adapted to running away as soon as it notices me.

[deadflowr]

Unfortunately, even though this about pets in general, since it's the internet it has slowly gone in favor of cats.

[eddier]

Anything in a cage or removed from its natural environment IS WRONG! My local pet supply store has all kinds of birds in cages,indoors. As well as various Reptiles. ITS WRONG.
If you like lizards,snakes,Birds etc then watch Discovery or go for a walk outdoors.

In this 'Modern' world there is no need for Zoo's or 'Wildlife parks',especially in Northern climates where there are wildlife parks with Big cats,and other exotic animals that shouldnt be here.A visit to a wildlife park a few years ago left me feeling angry and upset-several dozen (Wallabies?) huddled together to keep warm (?)-Rhino's confined to a few square yards,likewise Lions and Tigers,Giraffe etc.

I have no problem with Domesticated animals such as Dogs,cats and Horses etc. Other than some stupid owners who do not have a clue how to look after 'their' pets.

eddie(sorry about the rant)

[evilsoup]

Pets in general, I would say no it's not cruel for reasons that have already been expressed in the thread.

Cats in particular have a separate ethical issue, in that pet cats are a walking ecological disaster for the surrounding wildlife.

[zer010]

While I think the OP's premise is absurd reguarding domesticated animals, I do think that it has spawned some very interesting and sometimes funny responses.

[jockyburns]

I have a Border Collie, who is loved by both me and my missus, fed whenever he wants, taken long walks/runs, get's a lot more exercise than either of us, and I'm sure, loves us in return. Does the OP think he'd be better living in the gutter, or roaming free in a pack ?

[Linuxratty]

Thanks for the recommendation.

My pleasure. This is by far the most insightful book I have ever read on this subject. It's a real page turner.

Cats in particular have a separate ethical issue, in that pet cats are a walking ecological disaster for the surrounding wildlife.

As a former wildlife rehabber,I agree 100% and then some.

[oldsoundguy]

Adding to this, Doctors and Psychologists recommend pets for the elderly as companions .. and there are service and companion dogs. .. then there are pets for the handicapped that help bring the individuals out of their shells. So an emphatic .. NO, it is not cruel when it comes to having DOMESTICATED animals as pets .. jury out on keeping "pets" that are confined to cages if they came from the wild. (fish are exempt)
Now, there are pet OWNERS that should be put in jail for the treatment that they give to an animal that relies on them! THAT IS CRUEL!

[Paqman]

There is a great deal of debate about when C. lupus was actually domesticated and became C. lupus familiaris. What is widely accepted is that genetic research has moved C. familiaris from its position as a distinct species to C. lupus familiaris, a sub-species of C. lupus, in terms of its taxonomy. Full speciation has not yet occurred.

I find the flexibility of the dog genome fascinating. The idea that lurking inside the genome of a wolf there is a chihuahua really does my head in. Being completely ignorant of the practicalities of genetics it does make me wonder: if one can selectively breed a wolf into a chihuahua is it at least theoretically possible to reverse the process? To selectively breed a wolf analogue from any species of dog?

[Elfy]

...

here is a little something you may enjoy reading
http://pastebin.com/wUD5Bd0z

Thanks for that