New Books in Animal Studies
Jessica Pierce, "Run, Spot, Run: The Ethics of Keeping Pets" (U Chicago Press, 2016)
Sep 14, 2020
Jessica Pierce, an author known for her work on the ethics of pet ownership, delves into the emotional complexities of having pets. She tackles the profound questions around pet guardianship, discussing the balance of love and guilt that often accompanies these relationships. Pierce critiques the pet industry, exposing ethical dilemmas and challenging assumptions about animal behavior. She advocates for a deeper understanding of pets' needs, urging owners to rethink their responsibilities and create enriching lives for their beloved companions.
01:13:18
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding that pet behaviors are rooted in nature challenges owners to reconsider societal norms around pet ownership expectations.
- Recognizing the psychological impact of social isolation on pets highlights the importance of providing opportunities for interaction and engagement.
Deep dives
Understanding Natural Behaviors of Pets
Labeling common pet behaviors as 'problems' overlooks their natural instincts and highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of pet behavior. Scratching, urinating outside the litter box in cats, and barking or rolling in unsavory substances in dogs are behaviors rooted in nature. To teach pets to conform to human expectations often means suppressing these natural instincts, demonstrating a stark contrast between animal nature and pet ownership requirements. This creates a challenging environment for pets, as they must adapt to omnipresent societal norms that contradict their inherent behaviors.
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