Hmm...
Domesticated animals have been domesticated for our convenience (work/food) However 'pets' are only here because we Like them. Yes i believe keeping any animal as a pet (now leaving farm and working animals aside) is always purely for your own content. Therefor, Selfish. - Think about it, if you did not like animals.. Would you own any?- No you would not, because you do not need them to survive. So keeping pets is always for your own hobby/pleasure. And do i feel guilty for keeping an animal as a pet, even though i just clearly stated i think it is selfish? No i do not, and here is why.
Non-domesticated animals like reptiles can be justified as pets, the same way other animals are. That they do not bond with humans like domesticated animals do, does not change that keeping Any pet is basically selfish. Domesticated animals like dogs need bonding to thrive, snakes do not need it. Simple as that. So i do not see much difference between keeping reptiles or other animals, as long as they are cared for and housed in the best way possible. Basically:
As long as the animals thrive in captivity, i do not see any difficulty with it. What i do have problems with, are animals who are clearly Not cut out to be kept in captivity. Like the stated before, Orca. Orca's do not thrive and are clearly not the kind of animal that should be kept captive, so there is no way you can justify keeping them in captivity if you ask me.
Thinking about it, we take away the same privileges from any animal we decide to keep as pet. And they gain the same privileges, if they are kept properly.
They gain: Stable environment, stable food supply, (medical) attention.
They lose: (Full) Freedom to roam, find their own mate, being their own boss.
All my statements are with one thing in mind, that we try to house and care for the animals to the VERY best of our abilities. And that they thrive in this good care. Anyone not caring for an animal to the best of their abilities, and only keeping them to show off.. Is just an **** in my book, and should simply not own animals. But since i do not identify in that description, ill continue enjoying caring for these marvelous beings to the best of my abilities. I do not feel any more guilty for my snake(s), than i do for my dog. I do not love them the same, but i do however love to own them both. Because i am selfish like that
Hybrid Mode
