Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
interests. Many (not all) human-animal conflicts of interests can be finessed, meaning
that it is possible to meet the human need in a substantial—though sometimes not
maximal—way, without compromising the well-being of animals. Recognizing this
makes it possible to avoid a host of second-order questions regarding the relative im-
portance of human interests, as well as the plausibility (or lack of it) of mobilizing
this import to thwart particular animal interests. One does not have to exploit animals
in order to obtain eggs or milk, for example. The same applies to animal-assisted
therapy: there are numerous effective modes of therapy that do not exploit animals,
so there is no reason to institutionalize modes that do.
The following chapters implement the use/exploitation distinction for three use-re-
lated practices. I will argue that some animal-related institutionalized activities consti-
tute merely use and can be morally vindicated and preserved given reform. Others
cannot be justified and must be abolished.
