I am not a perfect being by any means, which is why I don't try to get on the "soap box" and fling mud... well... not often...
John... apologies, I guess... Sarcasm in it's worst form - fully loaded and barbed... I prefer to use it in the higher form...
As a "veggie" I am often the first to point out by not being "vegan" I am still supporting the "meat" industry (where do eggs/cheese etc come from?) but the reference to "it's only an animal" came from a "Vegetarian Society" promotional leaflet, stating something like...
... "It seems you can do anything to an animal, as long as you eat it afterwards..."
Our Government banned hunting with dogs, but the Law Authorities have declared it "un-policeable", so it goes on... I fully approve of hunting for food, but not for the kill...
I am very much into freedom to do what you want to, but needless cruelty, in the name of "tradition" shows how truly barbarous we are, just beneath the skin... I truly believe we can only be viewed by how we treat the environment we live in, and those that live with us, be they sentient or otherwise, and only a fool would believe that other "animals" around us are not aware of their surroundings... We have just "deadened" our senses...
PBG... the reality was that Keiko was (apparently) never able to re-integrate himself into orca "society" - was unable to find a "pod" to adopt him, was unable to fend for himself properly, significantly lost weight, fell I'll, and died... Yes, he was not a youngster, had led a pampered, albeit captive, life, but... I agree with you, we are only animals, too...
"Food For Thought..." good post, Dave...
Rant over...