Am i being just a tad hypocritical?

Question

ok so, i don't believe in keeping animals in circuses because i have read what really happens to them but i think it's okay for animals to be kept in some zoos, e.g if the zoo provides a very similar environment or if the animal can't survive in the wildlife etc. can i call my self an animal welfare activist even though i eat meat and think this? i don't believe it's right for an animal to be tortured yet i don't see whats wrong in eating animals when it's part of a nature.

Answer 1

You are not being hypocritical IMO. You are being completely reasonable and consistent.

Answer 2

No, I think you're fine.

Zoos can perform very important conservation functions; species whose habitat has been destroyed in the wild can be maintained in zoos instead of going extinct.  And I doubt that chickens, cattle, pigs etc. are in any danger of going extinct as long as we find them tasty, eh?

And now I'm going to sign off here and do something else that PETA doesn't like:  pick up the cat and give her a good ear-rubbing.

Answer 3

I think more or less the way you do yourself about these things.

Harleigh Kyson Jr.

Answer 4

There is nothing wrong with eating meat if its from animals that are not endangered species and that are actually bred by the millions.

Problem is when you mess with an animal in their natural habitat. It's like going to a neighbors house and taking their food and sleeping in their bed or whatever. Its wrong for example to participate in activities that actually thrive on torturing and making animals suffer like dog fights and so many others.

If you feel you're doing something wrong, then change your ways until you feel comfortable again.

I think you're fine, don't worry so much

Answer 5

I am the same way. I love meat. But... I don't like it when people abuse or treat animals badly. Eating animals is a part of nature. And you shouldn't feel hypocritical. It's the circle of life.

Answer 6

peta is a joke, with all the human suffering in this world and they rant on about animal rights. Don't get me wrong I love and respect all creatures I just like humans most of all.

Answer 7

Some animals are food. Simple as that.

Answer 8

Zoos are animal jails!

Perhaps if Zoo's only took in sickly animals and than once they were healthy again they set them free, then that would be different.

The best reason I ever heard for being a vegetarian was from Jay the Juiceman!

He says that basically by eating a cow your vicariously eating veggies, so why not cut out the middle man and just eat the veggies! Or rather juice them!

Answer 9

no can be perfect. There seems to be this pressure for anyone who even approaches a "greener" lifestyle to eschew all forms of western civilization. I think you have to do what you are doing - keep asking yourself the hard questions, discovering within yourself where you stand on the issues, and act accordingly.

I will not judge you as being hypocritical based on the information given. I will say that I hate zoos. As for eating animals, choose the most ethical, earth friendly options you are comfortable with.

Good luck!

Answer 10

A little bit...yes!

I eat meat too but I wouldn't call myself an animal welfare activist because I buy quite cheap meat - not free range.  Zoos like Singapore/San Diego/Edinburgh are meant to be amonst the best in the world, but have you been to a zoo recently?

I have visited these three zoos in the last 4 years and I could have cried - It's just not natural.

Edinburgh's polar bear is demented repeating the same circuit of movements continuously.

The large cats circle their environmental holdings in a way that my 3 year old even wondered what was wrong with it.

I know what your saying as I care for animal welfare, but I visit these places and know that it is wrong - even though they are a far cry from the zoos of the 60's it's no existance.

Then you look at some breeding programmes where they have brought the numbers back from dangerous levels and they romance you with the idea that it is all ok.

Who knows?

Activist suggest some form of activity though...so what do you do that is a positive action?   It's not just your beliefs.

I heard on the radio today that 'Pink' screams at the people in NY who ride on the horse drawn carriages.

Answer 11

That is hypocritical, except in the instance of the animals not being able to survive and or nearing extinction and are needed in zoos to repopulate. You can't really claim to be an animal welfare activist if you eat meat, unless you claim to be a naturalist as opposed to an animal welfare activist.