Ethics and how the world is changing
Ethics
The Welfare of Fighting Dogs: Wounds, Neurobiology of Pain, Legal Aspects and the Potential Role of the Veterinary Profession
This study pulls back the curtain on the hidden suffering of fighting dogs, exploring how wounds, chronic pain, and psychological distress shape their tragic lives. It delves into the neurobiology of their pain, showing that injury goes beyond wounds—it causes deep, ongoing trauma in the nervous system. From a legal perspective, it underscores society’s responsibility to protect these animals, and it highlights how veterinarians play a crucial role in healing and advocacy. It's a powerful reminder that animal welfare isn't just a matter of sympathy—it’s a matter of justice and informed action.
No news from Labour on animal testing ban
Labour’s 2019 animal welfare manifesto made bold promises—like phasing out severe animal suffering in scientific research. While some groups warned this could backfire by delaying medical breakthroughs, others defended the proposal as an ethical aspiration. Medical ethicist Iain Brassington pointed out that the goal of reducing animal pain is one shared by most of the scientific community—it's not anti-science, but a call to align research with compassion.
Prioritization of Appearance over Health and Temperament Is Detrimental to the Welfare of Purebred Dogs and Cats
Purebred pet trends are taking a dangerous turn when appearance outweighs animal welfare. According to recent research, breeding for extreme looks—like ultra-flat faces or tiny noses—directly causes serious health issues in dogs and cats, from breathing problems to orthopedic and eye disorders. What begins as a fashion statement can quickly result in lifelong suffering. Experts warn that protecting animal welfare means prioritizing health and temperament over trendy traits—and that requires everyone—from breeders and owners to veterinarians and regulators—to take action for the well-being of beloved pets.
Run to Death: The Rise & Fall of Greyhound Racing
Reveals how this once-popular sport has relentlessly pushed thousands of dogs into dangerous tracks, only to be discarded when they slow down or suffer injuries. The documentary and report expose an industry where many greyhounds are killed annually after failing to perform, often following doping or neglect. Yet, as racing declines globally, a new opportunity emerges: retiring these dogs into loving homes and transforming exploitation into advocacy.
Banning the Unethical Practices of Puppy Mills in Every State
Commercial puppy mills confine dogs in filthy, overcrowded cages, depriving mothers and puppies of proper care and socialization — leaving them deeply traumatized. In her analysis, Dering urges integrating the Puppy Protection Act of 2021 into the federal Animal Welfare Act to set humane standards nationwide. Without strong federal action, these mills will keep operating in the shadows, harming countless animals — and the public deserves to know the truth.
Alternatives To Animal Testing Gaining Ground
Science is finally catching up with compassion: new alternatives to animal testing—like computer analysis, cell cultures, and even organs‑on‑chips—are proving more accurate, faster, and cheaper than traditional practices with live animals. With growing support for the “3 Rs” (Replace, Reduce, Refine), these innovations are reshaping research, driving better outcomes for both people and animals. As Faunalytics reports, the momentum toward humane science isn’t just hopeful—it’s already here.