Is pet abortion moral?

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javier_29

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I have a neighbor that recently found out that her cat is pregnant for the second time in less than a year. They were planning on getting her fixed but the cat got pregnant a couple of weeks before the appointment.

The Vet told her that they can still get her fixed and as a result abort the kittens.

I realize these are animals and not humans but it still makes me uncomfortable.

Feelings aside, is this morally permissible??

Javier
 
I believe it’s morally permissible. After all, an animal doesn’t have an immortal soul and with our shelters filled to overflowing with unwanted cats and dogs, it’s probably the wisest course. If OTOH cats were an endangered species necessary to life on Earth (such as bees) or it was being done improperly–to torture the animals, especially as a child’s beloved pet thus causing unnecessary distress for the child, for instance, that would be immoral. For instance, we had a case in our area of a man who deliberately bashed puppies to death in front of his girlfriend’s children out of spite. Nasty business for which he was properly fined and sentenced to own no more animals.
 
IMO, its a pet owner being responsible and not immoral. Wish more pet owners had their pets sprayed or nuetered.
 
I think it’s moral, but unpleasent.

I have both my dogs fixed, and I rant to others who don’t. I think people say, “Well, If my pet gets preganant (is that even a correct term for animals? I honestly don’t know) I’ll just kill the babies or have them aborted”. That’s sick.

There is a huge difference between human and animal life, that’s for sure. But that doesn’t mean you should take either for granted.
 
Rascalking said:
I think it’s moral, but unpleasent.

I have both my dogs fixed, and I rant to others who don’t. I think people say, “Well, If my pet gets preganant (is that even a correct term for animals? I honestly don’t know) I’ll just kill the babies or have them aborted”. That’s sick.

There is a huge difference between human and animal life, that’s for sure. But that doesn’t mean you should take either for granted.
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I agree. We are owned by five cats, all males and all neutered. Four of them came to us because those who owned their parents didn’t do the responsible thing and have their pets fixed.

The term pregnant is a medical term that applies to mammals. There are other terms for non-mammalian species. A better term for humans is “with child”–at least I think so. 😉
 
PatriceA said:
IMO, its a pet owner being responsible and not immoral. Wish more pet owners had their pets sprayed or nuetered.
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Sprayed with what? 😛 😉

In answer to the OP, just as “putting down” an animal is not morally equivalent to euthanasia of human beings, and getting an animal “fixed” is not morally equivalent to a person getting something similar done, neither would this scenario be equivalent to the killing of human babies through abortion.

It seems secular culture often blurs the distinguishing lines between humans and other animals (wanting to give human rights to animals and denying human rights to people on the basis that ther are not extended to animals). In this type of cultural milieu, it becomes more difficult to separate it all out.
 
Della said:
The term pregnant is a medical term that applies to mammals. There are other terms for non-mammalian species. A better term for humans is “with child”–at least I think so. 😉
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Thanks for the info. We english majors can rant for hours about totally useless things, but when it comes to basic word useage, we stumble blindy though the hallways of grammar!

(ok, and we’re not good writers either…)
 
Rascalking said:
Thanks for the info. We english majors can rant for hours about totally useless things, but when it comes to basic word useage, we stumble blindy though the hallways of grammar!

(ok, and we’re not good writers either…)
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:rotfl: Well, I wasn’t an English major but I am a writer. If only my grammar were (or is it was?) better! 😉
 
I’m not trying to be insensitive here but :confused: Why rant a post like this?
I mean really :banghead: Are there not better efforts spent into writing more worth-while topics that embrace the human spiritual equation?

Pet Abortion? :banghead: What’s bloody well next?
 
centurionguard said:
I’m not trying to be insensitive here but :confused: Why rant a post like this?
I mean really :banghead: Are there not better efforts spent into writing more worth-while topics that embrace the human spiritual equation?

Pet Abortion? :banghead: What’s bloody well next?
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Not only is YOUR post insensitive but downright rude as well.

OP-ignore posts like the previous. Continue to discuss what ever topic you wish.

I apologize for centurionguards post.
 
I think there is nothing wrong about this as long its for a good reason and not just for the sake of killing. THis is why we should nuetered our pets so we can avoid a situation like this.

God bless
 
Rascalking said:
Not only is YOUR post insensitive but downright rude as well.

OP-ignore posts like the previous. Continue to discuss what ever topic you wish.

I apologize for centurionguards post.
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:eek: Where do yo get the idea that Pet Abortion should get an immense amount of Moral air time compared to Human Abortion?

And no I was not being Rude as you so well put it.

Peace Chris
 
I want to say in all sincerity that I mean absolutely no offence to the OP.

However; I’m trying to figure out from what spiritual prospective does a topic about Pet Abortion add to Moral Theological traditions in the Catholic Church.

This topic doesn’t even belong in this forum.

Maybe someone would like to enlighten me.

Peace Chris
 
Sir or ma’am,

Nothing personal.

Your original post was rude-the banging your head against the wall icon and the overall tone led me to beleive that your post was in bad taste and well, rude.

No one is saying that there is a moral equivelent between terminating a human life and an animal life. However, human abortion gets talked about on these forums quite alot. The OP bringing up the topic of animal abortion is not wrong or misplaced. There is a concern one can have for the unjust suffering of animals (and, for that matter, if it’s unethical to kill a created life for no reason) and still talk about the horrors of human abortion as well.

It DOES belong on a moral theology thread.

Like I said before, nothing personal. I’m sure your a nice fellow (or girl…Chris is a unisex name) but I think your first thread was rude. If you don’t think it was, fine. We can agree to disagree.
 
I don’t find anything immoral regarding abortion for pets as long as it is done humanely. I have two dogs and both are neutered and I get very upset with people who don’t spay and neuter pets and let their animals have one unwanted litter after another. Shelters and rescue organizations are saturated - also with the economy so many can’t afford to keep their pets.

I had an aunt who was widowed and her life revolved around her cats - like 15 at one time. Some were neutered and spayed - some not. Her home was a mecca for homeless cats. Though she loved the cats, one was always having a litter and she would find homes and then same with another cat. I used to get so mad at her about the pregnant cats. Once I suggested she have the kittens aborted and she was offended. I also suggested this to her daughter - who also was miffed that I could suggest such a thing thought she supports abortion by choice - major difference.
 
Rascalking said:
Sir or ma’am,

Nothing personal.

Your original post was rude-the banging your head against the wall icon and the overall tone led me to beleive that your post was in bad taste and well, rude.

No one is saying that there is a moral equivelent between terminating a human life and an animal life. However, human abortion gets talked about on these forums quite alot. The OP bringing up the topic of animal abortion is not wrong or misplaced. There is a concern one can have for the unjust suffering of animals (and, for that matter, if it’s unethical to kill a created life for no reason) and still talk about the horrors of human abortion as well.

It DOES belong on a moral theology thread.

Like I said before, nothing personal. I’m sure your a nice fellow (or girl…Chris is a unisex name) but I think your first thread was rude. If you don’t think it was, fine. We can agree to disagree.
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I still don’t see how a topic like this can encourage views on theological morality that attributes dignity to the human spirit. All fine and said Pet Abortion maybe an ethical issue but it has no place in a forum that upholds the Moral Theological teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2416, explains: “Animals are God’s creatures.” Consequently we owe them kindness, the text states. The following number adds: “Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice, if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.” Perhaps one of the reasons behind objections to animal research is that people are losing sight of human dignity, and placing animals on the same level as humans.
 
centurionguard said:
I want to say in all sincerity that I mean absolutely no offence to the OP.

However; I’m trying to figure out from what spiritual prospective does a topic about Pet Abortion add to Moral Theological traditions in the Catholic Church.

This topic doesn’t even belong in this forum.

Maybe someone would like to enlighten me.

Peace Chris
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centurionguard said:
I still don’t see how a topic like this can encourage views on theological morality that attributes dignity to the human spirit. All fine and said Pet Abortion maybe an ethical issue but it has no place in a forum that upholds the Moral Theological teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2416, explains: “Animals are God’s creatures.” Consequently we owe them kindness, the text states. The following number adds: “Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice, if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.” Perhaps one of the reasons behind objections to animal research is that people are losing sight of human dignity, and placing animals on the same level as humans.
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I am a veterinarian who is working on my Master’s Degree in Theology. My thesis topic is the Catholic position on the morality of Human-Animal interaction.

Just because you may have an understanding of the topic at hand doesn’t mean everyone does, and may I suggest that instead of repeatedly questioning whether or not it belongs here, you just ignore it. I’m spending years of my life researching this topic (in general). Perhaps I can enlighten you via PM. 🙂
 
javier_29 said:
I have a neighbor that recently found out that her cat is pregnant for the second time in less than a year. They were planning on getting her fixed but the cat got pregnant a couple of weeks before the appointment.

The Vet told her that they can still get her fixed and as a result abort the kittens.

I realize these are animals and not humans but it still makes me uncomfortable.

Feelings aside, is this morally permissible??

Javier
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The other possibility is have the cat bring the kitties to term and then have her spayed once she’s back to normal. Since the cat is pregnant now, she can’t again until she gives birth.
 
Newbie2 said:
I am a veterinarian who is working on my Master’s Degree in Theology. My thesis topic is the Catholic position on the morality of Human-Animal interaction.

Just because you may have an understanding of the topic at hand doesn’t mean everyone does, and may I suggest that instead of repeatedly questioning whether or not it belongs here, you just ignore it. I’m spending years of my life researching this topic (in general). Perhaps I can enlighten you via PM. 🙂
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may I suggest that instead of repeatedly questioning whether or not it belongs here, you just ignore it.
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It is you who say I am ignoring it.

You say; that (“you have a thesis topic on the Catholic position on morality of Human-Animal interaction”). I’m certainly open to this. No disrespect but if you believe your thesis will improve or supplement
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2416
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why not take it a step further and share your thesis in this thread.

Peace Chris
 
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