Random question...but what does anyone think?

Question

ok, well, i am studying marine mammals just now and an aspect of it is the conservation of seals and whales. I have just watched some videos of the killing of whales and seals and was completely outraged. However, the more I thought about it, the more it got me to consider about the way in which ALL animals are killed for our consumption or use; cows for meat, leather etc, fish and so on. But why does the killing of whales and seals generate so much public outrage, when many of us wear leather, eat meat and fish? I guess it is primarily due to the inhumane way in which the majority of whales and seals are killed, although much of the meat we consume daily is killed inhumanely also... I have never thought about this, and apart from becoming a vegetarian during a brief rebelising period when I was 16, have never ggivenit much though. Would be interested in anyone's opinion... thanks!!

from a very bored marine biologist x*x

Answer 1

your right some cultures think dogs and cats make cute cuddly pets others think they make a great main course meal its all in how you were raised and the culture you come from.Man struggled and did what was needed to survive in the beginning now the moral right thinks they can pick and choose what is right and wrong.The biggest problem is what we are shown in the media and that is what gets the people up in arms like clubbing a fluffy white seal pup or the old black and white movie clips of whale harpooning and skinning.Circle of life people.

Answer 2

The majority of animals that are slaughtered by humans are also raised by humans.  Lately the only animals we kill and eat on a large scale are fish and shellfish.  The animals that are breed by humans for fur only is an act that many groups are fighting right now.

When a baby seal is killed for its fur, that is extremely wasteful.  Local natives that eat the animal isn't problematic.  

The major problems with whaling are: several are endangered and whales are killed almost solely for their blubber.  Although most countries around the world have outlawed whaling, there are several that still allow it.  Japan is one example.

Answer 3

I tried very briefly to stop eating meat once also. Then a few months later I was at work and I was thinking about it and I thought - I really wann try that again - but will it work? Will my husband be keen? It was mainly for health reasons. When my hubby picked me up from work he said to me "I just watched a video on killing dolphins in Japan - it made me think about all the meat like cows and everything coz they're really not treated much different" because he thinks dolphins are such cool creatures (he surfs with them) it made him consider it more. I think Ive always done what everyone does - just put the facts to the back of my mind. There is a strong meat eating culture in many countries. Like Australia: BBQs and meat pies are what we do... Its a tough guy image. There is a senitmental affinity for meat. I find it hard in a way as part of me has a softness toward that lifestyle. But anyway we have very little meat now. Hubby's overweight parents are even going off meat a bit (previously big 'protein dieters')

On TV the other day this labor party politician said that there are animal rights extremists out there "like PETA who wont even let children have a pet goldfish and dont believe in guide dogs for the blind" He was all for supporting the meat export industry and not brushed over the fact that so many Aussie sheep die from heat exhaustion and more slowly on board over packed ships. I dont think that site is extreme in its opinions really. It shows the truth. And we dont want to hear the truth as its affects our revenue and lifestyle. Its a sad fact. I think people need to be more balanced! But isn't this the way everything works. No one wants to change. Everyone is looking at the bottom line: Money. And they dont want to find a new way of making money either...

Answer 4

To answer your question I think that there are two main reasons to be upset about killing whales. The first is that we see them as very majestic and intelligent. Basically, their behavior is similar to our own in some small way. Second is the reason they are harvested. Dog food, fertilizer, and fine machine oils that we now produce synthetically seem to be poor justification for killing such awesome creatures.

And yes, the way they are killed is absolutely barbaric.

Answer 5

We are out of touch with our food chain and many people think hunters are monsters. We react to images, I know several people who were happy eating their steaks and burgers until they saw downed animals being beaten to get them into the slaughter house, because the law says an animal who is unable to walk is unfit for human consumption.

I don't have a problem with killing the animal if it is to be used, not wasted. Many of the hunters are only after fur or tusks and leave the animal carcas to rot in the snow. Same thing with gorillas or elephants if they kill the animal the meat shouldn't go to waste. As long as there is a market for these items the wasteful slaughter will continue and becoming a vegetarian won't help.

Answer 6

Seals are still the mainstay of food in the Arctic region so if the Inuits continue their conservative ways, those will last . As for the whale population speak to Greenpeace. They have been after the Japanese for years. How is their fight progressing ?