Welcome to Gaia! ::

Sitting in the vets' practice today, and I wonder how morality applies when it concerns non-human creatures. Because waiting rooms are boring. x3 And, of course, gaia has rat stuff now. So I am in my element.
I am withholding opinion, because I'll be late for work.
And I can smell cooking downstairs.
rolleyes

Questions to you:
-do you believe animals understand the concepts of good and bad?
-do you believe animals understand the concept of death?
-do you think animals go through the same Judgement humans go though?
-is it right to pray for animals?
-do you believe animals can be sorry?
-do you believe that animals have to be treated as humans are, or in equal respect?
-do you believe that euthanasia of animals is moral?

All that, any interesting stuff anyone wants to bring up, and cutsie pictures and generic "ooh look at my owners" talk. ^^

(Hate starting topics, sorry! >.<)

1. I really don't think so. They live on instincts, don't they?
2. I guess so. They run away from their enemies and hunters.
3. I don't think so.
4. I guess so.
5. I don't think animals should be treated as equals. However, that doesn't mean we should harm them nor allow them to become extinct.
6. Sure, if it's used for food.

I don't think animals understand the concept of good or bad. As far as I know, they are not given the knowledge. They are not capable of sin.

I think the concept of death is understood by animals (or is embedded into their instincts) otherwise they would not take actions to preserve life. However, since animals do not and cannot sin, they do not experience spiritual death (if ever they have spirits which I don't know if they do).

Animals would not go through the judgment that humans do since they did not and cannot fall into sin.

Praying for animals is a good thing. It is good to pray for the well-being of fellow creatures. Charity bids us to love God and all things from God including the environment He has given to us.

Like us, I think animals (at least some) also feel base emotions like fear, sorrow, and joy. However they do not feel the deep sorrow we feel for our sins.

We should treat animals with respect as fellow creations of God. Even if we are to take their lives for food and other products, we should always maintain respect for them. We are equals in a sense that we are creations of God but we are created for different roles so I don't think we should treat animals like humans in certain areas.

Euthanasia of animals... hmm...
Well, we are given dominance over animals but we must not needlessly slaughter them. If euthanasia is necessary, like with a dangerous animal or when human life is at stake, then I think its alright. But needless killing is not alright.