Richard L. Cupp is under the impression, “nonhuman animal species are incapable of significant moral responsibilities,” (1). Therefore, animals should be no more than property and behavior change has to come within the abuser. Morals are knowing what is right and wrong. He believes animals do not possess this so being property is sufficient. Humans have responsibilities to animals. They need love, attention, food, water, etc. While Cupp does believe abuse is wrong, and there should be punishment, he sees no reason for actual rights. As mentioned before, animals do have thoughts and feelings. They know right from wrong, if they didn’t then they wouldn’t know to bathe their litter, or help comfort someone when they are feeling down. Animals are extremely intuitive and know more than what most people believe. Animals deserve to be considered more than property. People who abuse animals are not going to stop just because of their morals. If they are already doing it, then they clearly are not going to want to stop. The lack of respect and care some animals receive is appalling and animals should be able to stand up for themselves in order for more people to see how serious the matter is. Once animals have the rights they deserve, the amount of abuse and neglect should dramatically drop. Abusers will see animals have some of the same rights they do which will make them stop and
Richard L. Cupp is under the impression, “nonhuman animal species are incapable of significant moral responsibilities,” (1). Therefore, animals should be no more than property and behavior change has to come within the abuser. Morals are knowing what is right and wrong. He believes animals do not possess this so being property is sufficient. Humans have responsibilities to animals. They need love, attention, food, water, etc. While Cupp does believe abuse is wrong, and there should be punishment, he sees no reason for actual rights. As mentioned before, animals do have thoughts and feelings. They know right from wrong, if they didn’t then they wouldn’t know to bathe their litter, or help comfort someone when they are feeling down. Animals are extremely intuitive and know more than what most people believe. Animals deserve to be considered more than property. People who abuse animals are not going to stop just because of their morals. If they are already doing it, then they clearly are not going to want to stop. The lack of respect and care some animals receive is appalling and animals should be able to stand up for themselves in order for more people to see how serious the matter is. Once animals have the rights they deserve, the amount of abuse and neglect should dramatically drop. Abusers will see animals have some of the same rights they do which will make them stop and