http://taoofchange.com/2007/05/08/eco-pets/ Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:42:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://taoofchange.com/2007/05/08/eco-pets/#comment-9 tao Wed, 09 May 2007 23:34:06 +0000 http://taoofchange.com/2007/05/08/eco-pets/#comment-9 Thanks for your response, Adam - I'm looking forward to visiting you at thewildgreenyonder.com! Eco-responsibility in regard to all land use is indeed another reason I advocate adopting from shelters and rescues rather than perpetuate the "business" of breeders. In fact, I think there should be limits on breeding until animal populations are under control. Even then, owning a pet should be treated as a privilege, not a right - a way to control population and keep pets out of the hands of neglectful owners. Thanks for your response, Adam – I’m looking forward to visiting you at thewildgreenyonder.com!
Eco-responsibility in regard to all land use is indeed another reason I advocate adopting from shelters and rescues rather than perpetuate the “business” of breeders. In fact, I think there should be limits on breeding until animal populations are under control. Even then, owning a pet should be treated as a privilege, not a right – a way to control population and keep pets out of the hands of neglectful owners.

]]> http://taoofchange.com/2007/05/08/eco-pets/#comment-8 Adam Brock Wed, 09 May 2007 06:03:43 +0000 http://taoofchange.com/2007/05/08/eco-pets/#comment-8 From an animal rights perspective, I'm all about your advice. Adopting animals from shelters is a noble act indeed, and fulfilling for both pet and owner. At the same time, I wonder if it's really so eco-friendly to own a dog. Many permaculturists despise dogs, because their activity degrades the soil and takes up valuable land area. Granted, this perspective discounts all the intangible benefits we get from having a pet - affection, a connection with other species, the empowerment of being responsible for another being. But I think the "dogs from shelters = good for the planet" concept is at least worth a second look. From an animal rights perspective, I’m all about your advice. Adopting animals from shelters is a noble act indeed, and fulfilling for both pet and owner. At the same time, I wonder if it’s really so eco-friendly to own a dog. Many permaculturists despise dogs, because their activity degrades the soil and takes up valuable land area. Granted, this perspective discounts all the intangible benefits we get from having a pet – affection, a connection with other species, the empowerment of being responsible for another being. But I think the “dogs from shelters = good for the planet” concept is at least worth a second look.

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