The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates about 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year. (Source)
In Houston, Texas, alone, there are more than 1 million stray dogs, according to the city's pet shelter, BARC.
The UK has a similar problem: The Stray Dog Survey reveals 47,596 dogs were heartlessly left behind in council pounds, where they remained unclaimed by their owners.
In total 102,363 stray and abandoned dogs were handled by Local Authorities between 2014 – 2015. (Source)
Battersea dogs home alone handles 8,000 cats and dogs per year
On the whole, people are grossly irresponsible when it comes to pet ownership.
We selectively breed dogs to make them look more appealing and take on adorable personality traits.
We want a friendly face to greet us after a long day at work and cuddles on the sofa, but we're too lazy to socialize a dog properly, give a dog regular long walks/runs, and feed a dog the correct amount of food, and the correct nutrition for optimal health.
A high percentage of owners refuse to pick up their dogs poop too, leaving it all over the streets and parks for others to step in.
These people know full well the danger this presents to children: Children can become seriously ill from toxocariasis, and can even be blinded.
It has been estimated that a single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which are known to cause cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders in humans. EPA even estimates that two or three days’ worth of droppings from a population of about 100 dogs would contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay, and all watershed areas within 20 miles of it, to swimming and shell fishing. (Source)
Being a responsible dog owner is hard work, which is why the shelter figures are so high.
Many owners fail and and can't handle the responsibility, and the dog ends up unwanted.
Unwanted dogs. Why not just eat them? You eat pigs, cows, lambs and chickens. (Image credit: The Metro)
The Impact on Shelters & Missed Opportunity
Think of the financial cost of keeping all these dogs in shelters.
Think of the man power and money that could be spent elsewhere: on kids homes, building new schools and hospitals, homeless shelters, improving local disability facilities, improving public spaces.
Why allow the breeding of dogs on such a massive scale, only to cause such a public nuisance (dog poo, dog attacks, noise pollution) and such a huge economic cost?
Why not…
A. introduce stricter dog ownership laws.
Why not create a licence that all owners have to pass before owning a dog, and carry out yearly home inspections. The owner would have to pay for this too.
B. Make eating dog meat legal (UK); and legal in all states, and to sell it in stores (US)
The only US states outlawing its consumption are California, Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. It is, however, illegal in all states for slaughterhouses to handle dogs, and for stores to sell the meat. (Wikipedia)
Doing A would reduce the demand for dogs and thus fewer would be bred.
Doing B, in both countries, would clear the burden on shelters in no time. Strays could be cleared off the streets too.
Legalizing dog meat on all counts would also enable people to cook their own dogs if they can no longer look after them, or if they are struggling for food. They could also sell the meat for cash.
Many of the dogs end up being put down after some time anyway, and many shelters have to euthanize dogs due to excess numbers.
Legalize Dog Meat: Save Money & Make Food!
Approximately 2.7 million dogs are destroyed in the US each year (source), and around 20,000 are destroyed in the UK – most because they growl too much. (Source)
Why not just eat our way out of the problem?
People eat cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and all sorts of other animals; so why pass up all this good meat?
But we love dogs, we can't eat them!
That's hypocritical.
Why do you hate cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens but love dogs so much?
Is it because we need to kill those animals to feed to our beloved dogs?
That's like racism, or homophobia, man!
Actually it's speciesism.
To learn more about this cultural conditioning read:
=> Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows
Dog Meat Nutrition
I don't eat animals because it's unnecessary. But if people want to eat meat, wouldn't it be better to cut down on factory farming and all the toxic meat and instead eat organic dog meat?
Like most meat it's not nutritiously dense; it's also void of fibre and high in saturated fat. But it is calorie and protein dense.
It could be part of a subsidy scheme for families on a tight budget, no?
It could feed the homeless, right?
Calories: 262
Carbohydrates: 0.1 grams
Dietary fiber: 0 grams
Fat: 20.2 grams
Protein: 19 grams
Vitamin A equivalent: 3.6 micrograms
Thiamine (B1): 0.12 milligrams
Riboflavin (B2): 0.18 milligrams
Niacin (B3): 1.9 milligrams
Vitamin C: 3 milligrams
Calcium: 8 milligrams
Iron: 2.8 milligrams
Phosphorus: 168 milligrams
Potassium: 270 milligrams
Sodium: 72 milligrams
Water: 60.1 grams
Ash: 0.8 grams
Why Imprison Them When You Can Eat Them?
Why keep all these dogs locked up in shelters, many constantly anxious and stressed?
If you love eating meat, why not eat the dogs?
Or, if you can't bring yourself to chow down on a Jack Russell, why not export the meat to China or Vietnam and make a killing! (Pardon the pun).
Why would that be objectionable? We slaughter billions of animals each year. These dogs would make up a very small number of animals killed for food.
Moreover, people generally object to the way the Chinese slaughter dogs – skinning them alive and such. So if we slaughtered the dogs “humanely”, we'd feel better about the practice of eating dog.
Come on! Hindu's don't get angry when the rest of the world eats cows, right?
Sickening. How evil is this?
Dog Lovers Are Making Dogs Suffer with the No-Kill Policy
If such ideas were adopted as policy, perhaps it would prompt people to think twice about breeding so many dogs, buying dogs and not taking care of them properly, and letting their dogs become such a nuisance and risk to society.
But no. Dog lovers are making the problem worse and inadvertently causing further suffering to our four-legged friends.
The no-kill movement, most of whom I assume eat cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens, has contributed to the dog population growth.
The number of dogs and cats euthanized in the US has decreased from 20 million to 3 million each year because of pressure from no-kill lobbyists.
Where is the no-kill movement for cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens?
Oh, that's just for those crazy vegans, right?
It's fine to be fanatical about selectively breeding more dogs than society can cope with, impounding them in unnatural, stressful environments, and then campaigning that none of them be euthanized, but it's radical to want to stop factory farming.
I hope that through this somewhat satirical post, you can see the outrageous hypocrisy behind this issue.
Finally somebody has said what needs to be said. Morally, cats, dogs, pigs, cows, chickens, and sheep are all on the same level. So if you eat pigs, cows and chickens, why not cats and dogs? I could see why cats could be a problem because they’re often diseased, however they can be cooked.
God has put humans in charge of the animal kingdom and God put humans above all animals. Because God is against cannibalism among human beings, we cannot eat other humans.
Whether or not you believe in God, He is there. Your belief does not change objective reality. An example of this would be if you thought a couch was a ceiling fan. Just because you think the couch is a ceiling fan does not mean it is. My point is that God exists whether you like it or not.
Now go eat some dogs! 😉
Aug 28, 2021 at 2:19 am
Hi you (swear word) Peter. Dogs are domesticated animals. They should not be eaten. Imagine dogs going extinct. I personally believe that no animals should be killed for doing nothing but living, but I guess it’s too late for that. Imagine millions of people killing dogs for a living. Do you not own a dog? They are very intelligent and should not be consumed. Not only is it disgusting that you would even consider this, it’s the fact you’re encouraging this sick idea and putting in people’s brain. Do you see what Yulin, China is doing? You want that cruelty happening in America? You’re a sick human being and I wish that you will be eaten by a dog someday 🙂
Jul 01, 2021 at 4:12 pm
Hey Puppy,
I’m guessing you completely missed the point of the post 🙂
Jul 01, 2021 at 5:26 pm
Indeed s/he did.
Aug 29, 2021 at 5:10 am
You completely misunderstood the point of his post. If we are not going to eat any animals or their products because of cruelty, conservation efforts as well as better health, why are we selectively choosing which should live or die?
As a society, if it’s ok to kill certain animals in order to feed our beloved pets, we are indeed saying they are more worthy than the other animals we kill in order to feed them.
It’s a stark example of the hypocrisy. Peter would never eat dogs or cats – nor is he suggesting others ACTUALLY do so, he is simply making a very truthful point.
You don’t sound like a Vegan, perhaps you are just curious about it and stumbled upon this page – but the ugliness you just spewed at another human being – worthy of life by your own admission, due to him being very intelligent – is simply awful.
And no, he doesn’t own pets. Because that would make him a giant hypocrite Vegan. There are many out there. True Vegans shouldn’t own pets.
Aug 28, 2021 at 11:12 pm
Thank you for summarizing my position. I thought it would be pretty obvious that I’n not actually in support of eating dogs 🙂
Sep 22, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Okay, I can’t see your reply again…this is so weird! I have hit refresh and re-checked. If you don’t see another reply from me, assume I DID see it. Apologies.
May 08, 2020 at 6:21 pm
You have obviously taken at least one debate class! You’re good at this. Why is it ok for humans to keep reproducing? We have septupled the homo sapien species in only 100 years. Isn’t having children a selfish human desire? To have something to love and love you in return, to nurture…
We are in a massive overpopulation situation and destroying the planet we inhabit. As cognizant and sentient beings, shouldn’t we be leading the way? Especially if we don’t consider ourselves any more relevant, deserving or important than animals.
The natural instinct of spreading one’s seed and self preservation are of an innate nature for most humans of course. But when you have the capacity to understand that you yourself are majorly contributing to the demise of the very planet that sustains all life, why is that okay? Your daughter, your neighbor’s son, my niece & nephew…
This too is cognitive dissonance.
May 07, 2020 at 5:08 am
Ha. No, I have just never stopped asking questions. Since a kid…”But why!”
Mother Nature wants us to breed. Every species has an innate drive/desire to perpetuate its existence. But you are right, we have moral agency and can see that the reproductive path we are on is destructive, as is globalization in general.
But politicians want growth. Higher GDP. More hands on deck. Fewer people means fewer people to do jobs and produce stuff, which means less growth. You can’t win office on a low growth policy.
This is off topic but actually something I feel strongly about. No one ever questions this “growth” thing. Surely you want sustainability, between us and the planet, not growth that brings with it destruction and suffering.
But the world is changing and automation will mean fewer jobs, so they may have to find a way to get rid of a few people.
Depopulation is easily solved though, with a two-child policy across every country. Why can’t everyone agree to not have more than two children per family?
Let’s use our knowledge and technology to work out what the optimism population for a country is in terms of sustainability (best for nature, best for quality of life) and aim for that. It’s really not that hard.
I do agree that to having kids has become partly a selfish human desire.
May 08, 2020 at 4:21 pm
You are definitely someone who makes me think that’s for sure! So is the answer to go ahead and euthanize the strays? Not all strays or unwanted animals are pure bred. Besides “stop this behaviour” which I DO agree with, we just do nothing in the meantime? I have commented in a similar way to another one of your posts.
There ARE activists such as yourself and many others fighting against factory farming, consuming meat, using leather, etc.–I believe PETA has had a huge impact on this; although I find them quite extreme at times, as A LOT of animal rights people are.
And we are all hypocritical at times are we not? Cognitive dissonance is a doozie.
Lastly–insects? Roaches, ants and other pests? You would not kill one? Are they sentient beings in your opinion?
I have also been wondering about your background, education, etc. I have only just started to peruse your website however but haven’t seen an “about me” tab. Lol. Thank you!
May 04, 2020 at 7:35 pm
Hi Mari,
It is a difficult question. We are so far down the line that a quick solution is impossible without causing harm. But is it better to euthanize (without pain) all animals in shelters and strays, or continue killing animals to feed them?
I don’t want to euthanize an animal that most likely was born as a result of irresponsible human behavior. Why should the animal be punished with death? But then we have to ask how much suffering the animal is experiencing alive.
I personally can’t justify breeding animals as companions and then claiming to love animals while having other animals killed to feed the animal you “own”.
I think companion animals should be phased out. For every dog or cat with a “good life” there is another 10 suffering somewhere. We breed them to specification, to suit our lifestyles. This causes genetic defects and respiratory problems. And then there’s behavioural (mental health) issues from bad “ownership”.
And then there’s the threat to other humans. How many more kids need to be attacked by dogs, some killed, before stricter laws are put in place on ownership. We can appreciate animals in natural environments. Why do we need them sitting next to us on the couch. Yes, many people are lonely. I don’t know what my mum would do without her dog. But if people are lonely then we are failing as humans. Animals shouldn’t be a used a solution. Some would argue the case for plant-based dogs and strict licensing. I’m skeptical. Where money is involved and an industry is created there will be exploitation.
Of course we are all hypocritical at times and it is genuinely impossible to live without causing harm. But that inevitability shouldn’t be a green light to purposefully cause suffering.
I’m actually not an activist, or at least don’t refer to myself as one. I think the term animal rights is somewhat redundant. Animals don’t have moral agency, so how can we afford them rights? If we grant animals rights and one murders a human, would we put the animal on trial?
I just encourage people to elevate their thinking around these issues and to not allow culture and habit to justify suffering and harm, be that to animals or humans.
As I say, I think the answer is simple. Don’t breed, rape, and murder unnecessarily. Our lives, in general, should revolve around working in harmony with nature. Let’s nurture the soil and the air, let’s leave animals alone and, if they do need our help, consider very carefully what impact that interference will have on the natural order of things – otherwise you end up with commercial zoos and dog breeds that can’t breathe properly because they were bred to look attractive to humans.
I only kill insects in self defence. For example: When on holiday I killed mosquitos in our apartment because my daughter was a baby and there was a risk of dengue fever in that area. There is some debate on the sentience of insects. Have a read of the Insects and other arthropods section on this page: https://www.animal-ethics.org/sentience-section/animal-sentience/what-beings-are-conscious/
There is an about tab in the footer but I haven’t got specifics about me. I should write something up. I’m from the UK :). Most self-educated – is there any other way?
Have a good day!.
May 05, 2020 at 9:31 am
I have since read your about section and perused your website much more. I have avoided a lot of the animal abuse documentaries & videos for years because I knew what I would see. Yes, denial & self preservation. I suffer from clinical depression and it makes it quite difficult to deal with the horrors of life at times. Combined with the pandemic and isolation (single, no family, handful of friends) it isn’t helping. I finally watched Blackfish last night and bawled hysterically after I finished.
By the way I started out 30 years ago as an exotic animal trainer–big cats, primates, parrots (did work with some sea lions and dolphins and knew a Sea World trainer–never worked there however). Very quickly I had ambivalent feelings, especially as I learned more and more of the realities. Left that business loooong ago. Like many of the Sea World trainers, they too have evolved. Still train dogs for friends and those who ask. To help others be responsible pet owners (dogs). But not for money, Just to help & encourage.
I am like you in the 3 stages part re: the evolution of becoming a vegan. I agree that that is what led most people to Veganism as well. I also watched Game Changers, What The Health & am now on Cowspiracy. I am giving the remaining animal products I have to my neighbors (perishable, so don’t know that donating them to a food bank is practical).
You have kinda made me feel guilty for having pets now. Not so much for “owning” them; which is a generic word, I really am giving them a wonderful home and yes companionship–for them and me. It is not their fault they were born. Guilty for the killing of other animals to feed them. They are just over 2 years old now and Idk that I can change their diet, but I will look into it. They are cats, too which makes it all the more difficult–lol!
Not trying to blame you–you are here to discuss and help to shed some light. Which you indeed have! Hey, I’m going Vegan starting today. 🙂
I don’t know that I can go non-insect (pests only) killing though. Ugh an infestation of roaches?? Which is rare I admit. Ants–no way could I let them just bandy about in multiplying numbers. What would you do?
Also hope you will respond to my other post. Thanks much!
May 05, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Hi Mari,
Thanks for sharing a little about your background and congratulations on making the step to give up animal products. It’s interesting that you have worked with big cats and primates, so you know first hand how these places operate. Often it is people who have worked so closely with animals who end up going vegan.
It isn’t my intention to make you feel guilty about your cats. I’m sure you love them dearly and care for them very well. I grew up in a household that always had a family dog; my mum still does, and I love dogs. My thinking has just evolved over the years and continues to do so, because everywhere I look, even when humans have seemingly good intentions for animals, the better option in terms of the bigger picture always seems to be to let them be. The “vegan cat” debate is a sensitive topic with a big divide (because they are obligate carnivores). I look at both sides of the argument from a scientific standpoint here: https://www.theplantway.com/can-cats-be-vegan/
We are a product of our environment and we take our lead from authority figures and culture as we grow. But we are individuals, and independent, critical thinking is part of our growth and journey in life. I ate more chicken and tuna than anyone I know for a good 15 years, but a number of events led me to where I am now. Everyone is at a different stage on their journey. I just want people to ask the right questions and be truthful.
I would kill a roach infestation because that is self defense. They are invading your home and there is a risk they will harm you through disease. Ants always start trying to get into our home as soon as the weather warms up. I’ve identified where they get in and blocked it off. Some still wander in but I sweep them up with a gentle brush and pan and put them outside. There are natural repellent tips like lemon juice and mint. I might do a post on that actually! But hey, if you are invested with ants no one is going to judge you for taking the action you need to ensure your kitchen remains disease-free.
May 05, 2020 at 8:10 pm
Thank you for this! You bring up a great point that animals don’t have moral standing.
Aug 28, 2021 at 2:24 am
“Animal rights” are like “human rights”—you have them naturally simply by being. They are inalienable rights. They can neither be given or taken away; they are innate. They are not contingent on anything, and certainly not moral agency. That is an egregiously anthropocentric/speciesist/human supremacist perspective. It’s just poor reasoning. You seem to be conflating inalienable rights with rights that are based on merit (e.g., your court case example).
Human animals can intellectually grasp the highest, most intricate theories on “morality,” but obviously are supremely gifted at the most immoral behavior in ways that non-human animals could never ever even conceive of. If either group is afforded any rights according to its moral faculty, it certainly shouldn’t be human animals.
Feb 11, 2022 at 12:20 pm
Hi Eden, you’re speaking of humans collectively, as if all humans are “supremely gifted at the most immoral behavior in ways that non-human animals could never ever even conceive of”. This isn’t the case. Individually, in the modern day, we are capable of choosing a violent or non-violent existence, and often people choose a level between the two that they feel morally comfortable with.
Rights have evolved as part of societal organization. A functional, prosperous society has to have rules – rules based on what’s right and wrong. These rules, generally speaking, pertain to not stealing from and harming others (rights of protection) – in order to keep the peace and be productive and prosperous. Not everyone abides. Sometimes people break the rules, in small ways, others more persistently in more harmful ways. This has to be punished for the greater good, for wider society to prosper.
Societies have grown bigger, as has our ability and penchant for “progress”. Human society has become complex, way beyond the comprehension of animals. But their comprehension is irrelevant because we understand that causing pain and suffering (unnecessarily) is wrong. Moreover, we have the ability and technology to avoid it and still prosper. We have this moral agency, and we should use it to afford the same protection from violence to non-human sentient beings. Though a line must be drawn where any interference is deemed detrimental to the species and its habitat, breeding, etc.
I’m not convinced of innate rights; that’s an ideology based on feelings/emotion. Innately, life is about survival not rights; though nature may appear to give some species greater power (rights) due to predatory supremacy. However, the development of complex societies has led us to the idea of rights, which help avoid the pain and suffering inflicted by the quest for survival. For example, healthcare should be a right because it helps us avoid the inevitable pain of illness.
IMO, aligning animal “rights” with human “rights” is problematic because while we share a planet we exist very differently. We can say that animals have the right to be left alone, that humans cannot harm them. But what happens if a bear, shark or lion kills a human? How do we take the right away? How do we punish that animal in accordance with human “rights”.
I’m all for protecting animals from the evils of human behaviour, but “rights” is not a black and white issue.
Feb 14, 2022 at 10:35 am
So you are willing to boil dogs alive and skin them alive maybe we should just fine people that dont take care of their anim8and make a killing
Mar 20, 2020 at 4:18 pm
No, of course not. I’m outlining the hypocrisy.
Apr 08, 2020 at 9:20 am
Thank you so much for this insightful article! I have been vegetarian since I was 15 and always found it so angering when people are hypocritical about the meats they eat. I hope your points convince many others to rethink this certain taboo.
Oct 23, 2019 at 3:51 pm
Thanks Liza. The hypocrisy surrounding this issue is huge and I hope more people read this and have a good think.
Oct 23, 2019 at 4:12 pm