The following causes of animal-unfriendly behaviour can be found
(please e-mail us if you can mention more):
Traditions that can sometimes be traced back a long
time, such as hunting and ritual
slaughter. Ideology, such
as the notion that mankind can and should rule animals.
Religion, for example Mithraism. In Roman times this religion was
an important rival of Christianity. Practitioners
of Mithraism used to sacrifice a bull every year,
and because of the rivalry between these two religions,
the Christians decided to mix the imagery of the devil
with that of the bull. It is possible that bull-fighting
finds its origin in the ritual slaughter of bulls
in the times of Mithraism. It was said that a bull's
blood would purge one of one's sins, f.e. the "feast"
of Farra Do Boi in Brazil. Ignorance, be it or
not on purpose. Indifference,
powerlessness and denial. Arrogance,
inability of man to accept the equal rights of other
living souls. Economic gain, sometimes
pushed to extremes.
Image building, "look at me", being stronger
than animals (circus, hunting and bull-fighting),
or with remarkable pets,
or by wearing e.g. fur coats to look 'pretty'.
The way people treat animals reflects their beliefs,
values, knowledge and the importance of the animal for
them, either financially, socially or morally.
This article is part of a series on falsities and demagogy.
Some arguments used in debate on the topics in the title simply are invalid.
That goes for pro and contra.
We selected a few of the most rigid arguments from
different situations and placed an appropriate counterargument.
Because a more clear and honest way of reasoning helps improve the circumstances animals live in. Mail us if you encounter other or new (counter)-arguments.
Apart from the specific issues there are the types of
arguments in general.
Fallacies are deliberately or accidentally used in a debate.
So be aware of the principles and the integrity of an opponent.
Click here for tips on how to react to animal-unfriendly behavior of others.
Non-valid arguments (deceptive arguments) for different groups
