The Green War on Pets

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Any one know the facts about cat litter being stip-mined and then ending up filling up our landfills? I'd love some specifics on this topic. I was shocked and surprised at the environment being torn up and filled up, because of my cat???

Georjana of OK 7:04PM November 12, 2009

While it seems outrageous to us in the "civilized" countries to consider eating our pets, ethnologists studying Indian tribes in South America do report that some tribes keep various young animals as pets but that when those animals become older, they are eaten.

Laura Johnson of FL 1:51PM November 08, 2009

It is possible to be an animal lover without owning a pet. Further I would question whether 'owning' pets is really a genuine demonstration of love for the animal world or just the selfish need for a simple, uncomplicated companion. It's mutual gratification, that's all: the dog gets food, shelter and patting, while the owner receives unbreakable affection and loyalty. Yay! There's nothing, in my eyes, particularly deep about such an exchange. What is the height of hypocrisy is the claim to love animals while ignorantly chowing down animal remains or while feeding Rover the pet dog the same. That just shows the claim to care for the animal world is superficial. If you truly care about animals, stop eating them. Otherwise, shut-up. Beyond that, instead of buying predatory and destructive pets such as dogs, cats, rats, stoats etc, create a natural wildlife sanctuary in your own backyard. That's what I've done. Build bird tables and boxes, create a safehaven for native lizards by piling stones, or if you're in the U.S (I'm in NZ) find out what species exist in your backyard that might need a bit of support (not ownership). Then you could start a community wide project to help native animals and to clean up the water ways that support them and myriads of other life. This is what it means to love animals, not 'owning' dogs and cats so they can sit on your knee and purr or crap in the street while you walk them. We're not children anymore; our love can be more real and expansive.

Josh 10:07PM November 06, 2009

To me, the Vales sound like wild-eyed radicals. Most animal lovers are vegetarians and fully realize how bad meat is for the human body. How much meat do the unlearned Vales eat? How much meat does the Duggar family in Arkansas with 19 children eat? How much meat does the "Ocumom's" 14 children consume? The Vales need to get a dose of reality and recognize the biggest meat eaters are humans who usually wind up with clogged arteries, heart attacks, gastrointestinal problems and a myriad of other ailments caused by eating meat. I seriously doubt Americans are going to eat dogs and cats due to the Vales' warped philosophy.

BJR36JRG of LA 5:22PM November 06, 2009

I have always loved cats, not necessarily pedigreed cats and I am not drawn to Siamese cats; just ordinary tabbies, tuxedos, etc. I have had a beautiful calico, who is sweet, calm and loves to cuddle for almost 12 years. She had been abandoned at 10 weeks or so with a litter mate at a zoo/park area when we found each other. She was neutered the minute she was old enough. She does like to be out of doors some during the day and we live in an area where it is safe for her to do so. She eats dry food and tuna and is in wonderful health. I think these "green" cat foods are targeted primarily at humans. I like dogs and we have had a couple in the past, but we live in an elbow-to-elbow townhouse community and I don't want a barking dog to annoy neighbors. If people would be responsible pet owners and neuter their dogs and cats, male and female, that would do wonders to reduce their population. Our small city shelter has over 200 animals on a daily basis and yes, many are euthanized. When I see people leaving their litter everywhere in public places, I have a hard time thinking of dogs and cats as being environmentally unfriendly.

Missy's "mom" of OK 1:11PM November 06, 2009

Yes, if you want to "go green"- stop having babies (human that is) and adding to an already overpopulated earth. That unborn child will not drive an SUV OR have a family pet, or eat other animals. Seriously- the problem is STILL too many humans!

I Love Dogs of CA 12:55PM November 06, 2009

Ummm... how about people just stop having babies, that would solve the problem. Where's the comparison between a dog & a human.

Jason of OH 9:03AM November 06, 2009

I guess I can understand some of the arguments here, but I take issue with the statements that are saying - "Instead of having a pet, you may as well get an SUV."
Everyone has their own tastes, and for me, I'd rather have a family pet than a SUV. In my opinion, the pet is substantially better - because it involves loves and compassion and warmth.
I'd like to see a study done on the psychological effects on humans with the elimination of all household pets. I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty.
Not to mention, this study (the one the article cites) may have included food sources that are used for puppy mills, illegal/excessive breeding, inhumane animal facilities, etc. So the REAL issue here is being a responsible pet owner. Don't buy your puppy from a pet store that supports puppy mill breeding. Adopt from a local animal shelter. If you must have a pure breed, get one from a local breeder that you trust. Spay and Neuter your pets, even if they are indoor. (Indoor pets do get loose from time to time.) Support Trap/Neuter/Release programs of ferrel cats -- so at least the ones that live outside aren't reproducing.
I am an environmentalist, but I just find it a little hard to believe that my indoor cat, that eats 1 cup of dry food a day, is causing more harm than a gas-guzzling car. I guess I may be wrong, but I'm willing to take that risk.

responsible pet owner of PA 8:12AM November 06, 2009

While I realize that pets consume resources, these "resources" are largely products that will not, or cannot by law, be utilized for human consumption. These include offal from meat processing plants, carcasses and other foodstuffs condemned by inspectors, organ meats that are not often consumed by people, substandard grains, bakery waste and by products, as well as vegetable wastes (over ripe, damaged, blemished).
If not used otherwise these products would be a waste in need of disposal. While it is true that they could be composted and produce soil amendments, I find it much more appealing to produce a loyal dog or purring cat.
In the past, pets often ate horse meat from unwanted or feral horses. The vegan/vegetarian/animal rights groups have put an end to that leaving hundreds of thousands of those unwanted horses to be another waste in need of disposal.
I have no moral problem with the consumption of any animal, including dogs and cats, by people. They must of course be raised according to acceptable standards and be humanely processed.
Making pets look environmentally unfriendly appears to be another attempt by the vegan minority to eliminate animal agriculture, societal use of animals and ownership of pets. Their argument is insulting.

Gregg J. Cutler, DVM, MPVM of CA 4:02PM November 05, 2009

"(they) consume resources, devastate wildlife populations, and contribute to pollution and the spread of disease."
Same can be said for humans. Also an edible species, I might add.

Bob Pomilla of NY 3:58PM November 05, 2009