There are people who fight for animal rights. There are people that do not eat meat, and believe it is wrong to kill animals for food, experiments, or clothing, and they believe animals should be treated as pets. In my opinion animals should be both, pets and resources. I am sorry to say this, but I feel it must be this way. In the following paragraphs I will try to give good reasons to support my opinion. One thing I must mention is that I love most or maybe all animals (with the exception of some insects), so I dont like to hurt animals, if it can be avoided.
First, some great benefits come from having animals as pets. It can teach us responsibility while we are growing up. We learn to take care of a living thing by feeding it, and cleaning up after it. We can learn love, friendship, and loyalty. For example a dog can bring much happiness to a child or an adult. We build friendships with our pets, and learn to depend on them as they also depend on us.
Our love for them and their love for us grows and becomes stronger over time.
They say laughter is the best medicine, dogs or pets can definitely help us to laugh more. I have had quite a few pets growing up. I have had dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, lizards and even snakes during my childhood. They have taught me many things, but in my opinion dogs are the best, although I have heard pigs are very good pets also. Believe it or not I heard they are supposed to be very clever and clean. I have heard of a pet pig or dog pulling someone from a burning house.
I feel I have learned and benefited a lot from my pets, I have learned that most
dogs can be more loyal than some people. They say pets show unconditional love for their owner or family, which is usually true. Peoples hearts often change in todays world. It is also said that a dog is mans best friend because they are loyal. It has been proven that pets can lower blood pressure and relieve stress. So they also bring us health benefits. Walking a dog gives us exercise every single day when you have a hard day and you go home and a soft, friendly pet is there to greet you and shows excitement and joy when you return home, of course it makes you feel better. Certainly family can do this for you also, but not everyone has family, or family close by. If you have a family and a pet you are twice blessed
On the other hand I also think animals should be used for food, clothing, and experiments. Unfortunately I dont see any other way around this problem or issue.
I must also say I could not kill or eat an animal that I have raised. I like cows, pigs and chickens. I forgot to mention I also have had chickens as pets. I raised them from when they were babies. Later my father killed them, but I refused to eat them. I have to admit I love to eat meat, like beef, pork, and chicken, as long as I didnt raise it. I know many delicious dishes made with meat, and vegetables just dont give the same satisfaction or fill you up like meat does. I believe we need nutrition that comes from meat and fish. Without meat in our diet I think there would be more health issues. Another reason is animal population, some animals grow in numbers very quickly, they need to be controlled in some way. If animals were left alone and we only ate vegetables what would we do when the animals started eating our vegetables? Maybe they would use up our resources or hurt us in other ways. Deer can jump in front of a car and cause serious injury or even death. Poisonous snakes can cause death if they bite us. If people didnt kill sharks could we swim in the sea safely? They say survival of the fittest. I believe man needs to survive, and even experiments on animals can help scientists develop new medicines or vaccines by making sure they work and are safe to use on people.
Animal skins can provide warm clothing in winter but we shouldnt kill them just for their skins. If there is good reason I believe it is ok and needed to use animals as a resource.
I think I have given good reasons for both sides. Animals can be very good to have as pets, even friends or companions, and they can teach us important lessons. They are also needed as a resource, for nutrition, and clothing. We should not abuse animals, but we should realize the different benefits we get from them.
Whether needed for experiments, that will help mankind or buying a puppy for our child, animals should be respected and cherished. No species should be brought to extinction. We should not be cruel to them as much as possible. After all we can not live without them.