Animals and Ethics
Sukhit Phaosavasdi, MD*, Surasak Thaneepanichskul, MD*, Yuen Tannirandorn, MD*, Manopchai Thamkhantho, MD*, Chumsak Pruksapong, MD*, Aurchart Kanjanapitak, MD*, Hugh Leong, MD**
Affiliation : * Member of the Medical Association of Thailand ** hughl@comcast.net
Animals can be friends to humans. They are living creatures who have a sense of belonging and pain.
They have the same life cycle as humans. Although they cannot speak a human language we will know when
they get sick.
Animals, to a human’s eyes can be ugly, dirty, awful, dangerous, or poisonous. They can sometimes
make annoying noises. Some are huge; others are so small that they cannot be seen by naked eyes.
Animals can be very useful although some can cause diseases. Some are disease carriers such as
mosquitoes, birds, and fish. They can cause diseases such as malaria, anthrax and AIDS, etc.
Many animals have a sixth sense which most people do not. They can have very sensitive noses, ears
and eyes. They can detect distant smells and sounds; see objects even in the dark, under water and under
ground.
“I cannot speak your language But can merely make my animal noise
To tell my master that My mind may be dull
But my body is powerful enough To offer him my help
With innocent and unpretentious eyes I offer my friendship to mankind”
Animal Usefulness
History has told us of human slavery in which humans were treated the way we currently treat animals.
At present, human slavery is no longer legal. But that is not true for animals. Examples of these are:
1. Pets for pleasure.
2. Dogs as watchdogs.
3. Animals for food.
4. Hunting as a business: whales and sea lions.
5. Research: drugs, medical instruments, cosmetics, etc.
6. Entertainment: circus, monkey shows, elephant shows, cock fighting, bull racing, dog racing,
buffalo racing, fighting fish, etc.
7. Transportation: elephant, horse, ox, ass, sled dog, reindeer, etc.
8. Symbols: pigeons for peace, elephants on the flag, football teams lion shield, etc.
9. Weapons of War
10. Clothes
11. Furniture
12. Communication
13. Agriculture
14. Education: Sesame Street
15. Advertisement
16. Biomaterial
17. Sports: fishing, horse riding
Ethical Considerations
Animals cannot ask us for their rights or for justice, or for religious freedom. If they are cared for by
supplying them with their needs, using tenderness and care they would show their respect and faithfulness to...
Keywords : Animal, Ethics
