I personally have a problem according humane treatment only to animals we deem to be intelligent. The smarter we are, the better treatment we deserve? That seems morally corrupt.
Completely on the same page as you on this issue agmoore. Who is to say what is and isn't intelligence? Scientists? Religious leaders? There is no way to know how a creature truly thinks/feels without asking it. I wrote about this recently in one of my poetry posts.
I think our experiments trying to learn how other species on earth might communicate in ways alien to the human mind are often flawed by our methodology. We become limited by our frame of reference, our own form of communication. E.g. migrating birds, animals and sea-life all navigate vast distances with no map. Is this because of learned behaviour? In many cases, the answer is yes, but the unspoken question remains; do these creatures only impart this knowledge through repetitive action and observance?
I don’t think so.
Autumn's Crystal Spider Webs
I've been vegetarian since 5 years of age - a choice I made myself along with another friend, and accepted by our hippie parents - and although I do now eat fish, I only eat wild caught fish, or that which I've caught myself. I've spearfished in Mexico, UK, Thailand and Belize. My personal beliefs have shifted a little, but not when it comes to cruelty to animals.
I think diving changed the way you see the world. It's a wonderful gift for you.
It most definitely did... and it might seem a bit odd that I eat fish, but I see the biggest reason for the mass-market of cruelty we have in the modern world comes about because of ‘a disconnect’ from where meat/seafood comes from. I don't particularly enjoy the act of killing an animal (as in the case of spearfishing), but it didn't feel wrong to engage in the hunting and consumption of those creatures. I felt like I honoured them in a way by following the way of nature and making sure that none of what they gave in their life went to waste (even the seagulls got a meal from the offal).
Anyway, I'm kinda rambling.
P.s. I don't eat shellfish at all so the lobsters are safe from me… and the scorpions… well I’d be running in the opposite direction 😆
I have tried, on and off, but really have such a restricted diet (most vegetables and fruits are off limits for me, especially raw) that it simply doesn't work. However, being thoughtful about how my food is obtained--that is possible and I try.
Me too!!!