Dolphins deserve same rights as humans.

[CodeRedR51]

Anyone else seen this?

Although I am highly against killing these animals because they are so intelligent, I'm not sure what to think about this "study".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17116882

Experts in philosophy, conservation and animal behaviour want support for a Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans.

They believe dolphins and whales are sufficiently intelligent to justify the same ethical considerations as humans.

 

[Tornado]

An interesting idea with colossally bad timing.

I'm guessing that the public at large probably won't even consider taking it seriously after what PETA pulled a couple of weeks ago with the whale lawsuit.

 

[AOS-]

Did anyone else think of that Oatmeal comic when they read the thread title?

 

[Slick Rick]

I thought of this
Language warning

 

[Dotini]

Anyone else seen this?

Although I am highly against killing these animals because they are so intelligent, I'm not sure what to think about this "study".

Great question!

I'm quite sure that dolphins have a very high level of individual self-awareness, and should not be killed wantonly or even accidentally if avoidable.

On the other hand, I see two big issues:
1) Man sees himself as the top animal on the planet, but is engaged in a terrific struggle to feed himself. Hunger and starvation are major, major issues. Man enjoys eating tuna, and dolphins get caught up in the nets. I doubt man is currently prepared to sacrifice a major fishing industry for the sake of cetaceans.
2) Even if some nations would honor the right to life of dolphins, others wouldn't. It may be possible that further unneeded human conflict could arise due to resentment of dolphin killing nations by dolphin sparing nations.

Respectfully submitted,
Steve

 

[MatskiMonk]

Then they should be subject to our laws and taxes...

.. next thing they'll be takin' our Jeeeerbs.

 

[CodeRedR51]

.. next thing they'll be takin' our Jeeeerbs.

I foresee another South Park video incoming...

 

[MatskiMonk]

Actually, should that video be up as it is... Language?

 

[Robin]

Reminds me of that Simpson's Night Of The Dolphin episode



But seriously they are apparently as smart as humans.

 

[Dennisch]

I've read it too, and although I can see where they are coming from, it seems a bit strange to bring it like this. Just ban whaling and dolphining*..


*citation needed?

 

[CodeRedR51]

I've read it too, and although I can see where they are coming from, it seems a bit strange to bring it like this. Just ban whaling and dolphining*..

This was posted on Sea Shepards facebook earlier:

http://bob-brown.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-call-gillard-injunction-whaling

 

[Dennisch]

Seashepard needs to muscle up their actions. Torpedos, a canon, I don't know, just blow those whaling boats out of the water. Or sink them.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Dolphins are tasty. It's too bad there's a federal ban on them here in the states. I'd BBQ one up for the 4th, if I was allowed.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Seashepard needs to muscle up their actions. Torpedos, a canon, I don't know, just blow those whaling boats out of the water. Or sink them.

Legally they can't do anything to harm anyone on either boat, so pretty much all they do down there is chase each other around in circles.

 

[Minty]

An interesting idea with colossally bad timing.

I'm guessing that the public at large probably won't even consider taking it seriously after what PETA pulled a couple of weeks ago with the whale lawsuit.

That is some really poor timing.

 

[Pupik]

This is what happens when you don't make the playoffs ten out of eleven seasons.

 

[Bopop4]

Ignoring the criminally insane PETA for a moment, dolphins do posses a high level of intelligence and should be recognized for it. But they are just animals like everything else.
There are millions of people in the world that are in need of help and the time and money should go to them.
If countries want to protect dolphins then they make laws, but the rules are not enforced hard enough. Sea Sheperd should be allowed to disable ships if deemed necessary due to international law.
Or they could put freaking lasers on the freaking heads of the freaking dolphins.

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

Here's a recap of the Seaworld lawsuit:
*language warning*

 

[Schwartz]

[ignorant comment]If we banned Dolphin hunting the Japanese would probably start killing them just to spite us, therefore causing a new reality TV show called "Dolphin Wars."[/ignorant comment]

But really, isn't dolphin hunting already banned, just like whale hunting? Aren't many types of Dolphins endangered?

 

[CodeRedR51]

[ignorant comment]If we banned Dolphin hunting the Japanese would probably start killing them just to spite us, therefore causing a new reality TV show called "Dolphin Wars."[/ignorant comment]

But really, isn't dolphin hunting already banned, just like whale hunting? Aren't many types of Dolphins endangered?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cove_(film)

 

[Schwartz]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cove_%28film%29

That doesn't suprise me in the slightest bit...

 

[Keef]

Wow, that Sea World bit was fantastic!

 

[Grayfox]

I think all animals should have equal treatment.

Kill a man 15 years ~life in jail.
Kill an animal 0 years in jail $500 fine.

A person can defend themselfs most animals can't.

 

[Omnis]

This is what happens when you don't make the playoffs ten out of eleven seasons.

Who needs human rights when you have Philbin? And I ain't talking about Regis.

 

[PeterJB]

All creatures are equipped with some form of defence mechanism against predators. Humans have the advantage because we're larger and stronger than most creatures, and can use weapons. That being said, a single unarmed man could do little to stop a big cat, bear, or any other large mammal.

 

[Danoff]

Dolphins, Monkeys/Apes, Elephants, Whales....

These are generally known to be the more intelligent of the animals out there (excluding humans of course). I'd like to see more study into just how intelligent these creatures are. I think we should consider extra protection for higher intelligence creatures. I'll leave this video (which was posted in the awesome video thread) here:



It's funny to me that sea world is suffering PETA's wrath because I think sea world is responsible for opening many people's eyes to the intelligence of these creatures and really fostered a great deal of sympathy for hunting bans.

 

[berty1979]

MatskiMonk
Then they should be subject to our laws and taxes...

.. next thing they'll be takin' our Jeeeerbs.

Dekin rrr jeeeerrrbs

 

[Jay]

Kill a man 15 years ~life in jail.
Kill an animal 0 years in jail $500 fine.

Some guy here in Adelaide just got 3 months in prison for torturing and killing a cat.

I'll leave this video (which was posted in the awesome video thread) here:

Mind, blown.... That Elephant is probably a better painter than me.

 

[Grayfox]

Some guy here in Adelaide just got 3 months in prison for torturing and killing a cat.

And the kid that killed over 5 dogs in not facing prosecution because if he was jailed he may kill someone in jail or they may kill him for what he did.


Plus 3 months is nothing and most of the time they pay a fine and no jail time.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Mind, blown.... That Elephant is probably a better painter than me.

Definitely better than me.