If you call yourself a pet owner, there might be two problems with that phrase, according to the Journal on Animal Ethics, an academic publication.
Instead of being an “owner,” try using the term “human caregiver,” the Journal advises. And the word “pet” is just passé. Your beloved cat or dog is really a “companion animal.”
The Journal even wants to see derogatory terms such as “eat like a pig” or “beasts” eliminated. If being politically correct works for humans, then why not animals?
For those who already treat their pets like royalty, it probably makes sense. Others might be wondering, however, what difference it really makes.
But the Journal article maintains that it makes a lot of difference. By giving pets -- I mean companion animals -- more compassionate titles, we might just raise the level of respect society has for them. Studies on criminal behavior have long shown that animal abusers often have track records of crimes against people.
Critics of the argument say not all pets are technically companions, particularly those confined to fish tanks or rodent cages. Wait. Is “rodent” a derogatory term for pet mice or rats? And shouldn’t we really call that aquarium a fish habitat?
All joking aside, a little more respect for pets, companion animals or four-legged friends – whatever you want to call them – certainly can’t hurt. But the most important thing, of course, is to respect and love them.
The Journal on Animal Ethics is published by the University of Illinois Press, in conjunction with the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics in England.
Sources: Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, Associated Press
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