A cat has the same carbon footprint as a VW golf...

[Reverend Blair]

And who thinks that dog food is really full of things grown specifically for it? Most pet foods are made from waste from human food production. The meats are by products that can't be used in hot dogs, and the cereals are low-quality feed stock,not the high-grade stuff we use in our own food. It's not like there are feedlots full of black angus being raised to keep Fido in kibble.

[anna09]

"Pet owners dismiss scientific findings as 'repulsive and abhorrent'."

Almost like dismissing the evidence that the earth is 4.6 billion years old just because your favourite book says it isn't.

So I'm suddenly in the same camp as the creationists and conspiracy theorists? Why? Just because I think animals aren't disposable objects? If anybody is doing the best at reducing a "carbon footprint" it's animal shelters and organizations like the ASPCA and yes, pet owners. Most pet owners don't even have to pay to spay or neuter anymore because it's all ready done at the shelter.

As for the "luxery" aspect goes. . .

My dogs and cat are apart of my family, I adopted them, I did not "purchase" them. Both of my dogs were severely abused and neglected before I adopted them and my cat was found stranded on the streets with a litter of kittens. So, excuse me if I get a little upset over some half-assed study suggesting I did a horrible thing by taking care of them.

[Azathoth]

Most hot dogs are made from waste from pet food production. The meats are by products that can't be used in pet food, and the cereals are low-quality feed stock,not the high-grade stuff we use in pet food.

[anna09]

If anyone's unsure of what is dangerous for cats and dogs to eat, this is an excellent source. . .
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-co ... foods.html

[Fromthehills]

I wonder what the carbon footprint is for someone that has three cats, two dogs, three horses, and one stubborn chicken, but has solar electricity and solar hot water.

[Thinking Aloud]

So I'm suddenly in the same camp as the creationists and conspiracy theorists? Why? Just because I think animals aren't disposable objects? If anybody is doing the best at reducing a "carbon footprint" it's animal shelters and organizations like the ASPCA and yes, pet owners. Most pet owners don't even have to pay to spay or neuter anymore because it's all ready done at the shelter.

As for the "luxery" aspect goes. . .

My dogs and cat are apart of my family, I adopted them, I did not "purchase" them. Both of my dogs were severely abused and neglected before I adopted them and my cat was found stranded on the streets with a litter of kittens. So, excuse me if I get a little upset over some half-assed study suggesting I did a horrible thing by taking care of them.

I was commenting on the instant reaction made to the report, which on the surface was very much in line with "I don't like the sounds of this, I love my pet, ergo it must be wrong."

I said nothing about pets being "disposable objects", and would never dream of it, nor did I make any comment on the merits of purchasing a pet vs adopting from a rescue. Neither I nor the article (that I can see) suggested anyone did a horrible thing by taking care of them, nor that they should be got rid of.

"Some scientists" say . . .

And the source is dubious at best.

My comments on the reaction to the report still stand.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

T/A, most of us don't buy "first reports" on face value. The validity of the report and the joy of having a non-human share your residence are two separate issues for me.

[Thinking Aloud]

T/A, most of us don't buy "first reports" on face value. The validity of the report and the joy of having a non-human share your residence are two separate issues for me.

I never said they weren't.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

T/A, most of us don't buy "first reports" on face value. The validity of the report and the joy of having a non-human share your residence are two separate issues for me.

I never said they weren't.

Sorry, I must have read your posts sideways. I guess I need new glasses.

[Thinking Aloud]

T/A, most of us don't buy "first reports" on face value. The validity of the report and the joy of having a non-human share your residence are two separate issues for me.

I never said they weren't.

Sorry, I must have read your posts sideways. I guess I need new glasses.

Oh darn, yes, you're right.

This report is clear. Anyone who owns a pet should hate themselves for doing so, and never again feel the pleasure of companionship from their furry friends. And should probably get them all put down.

Why didn't I remember that?

It's amazing how much additional meaning has been ascribed to my posts in this thread.

[Bella Fortuna]

I'll let Esme know your feelings, TA. You may want to watch your back next time you visit.

[Thinking Aloud]

.

[anna09]

As well as quantity, think about quality. "If pussy is scoffing 'Fancy Feast' - or some other food made from choice cuts of meat - then the relative impact is likely to be high," says Robert Vale. "If, on the other hand, the cat is fed on fish heads and other leftovers from the fishmonger, the impact will be lower."

You have to be pretty naive to think canned pet food is made from "choice-cut" meats.

Giving up our pets in the name of sustainability may seem like a sacrifice too far, but if we are going to continue to keep animals purely for our enjoyment then we have to face uncomfortable choices.

Yes, they are suggesting you get rid of your pets.

Feeding the cat or dog leftovers will have an immediate effect - and also help do something about the scandal of food waste.

I've all ready explained why this is a bad idea.

pet-food manufacturers thrive by selling us the idea that only the best will do for our beloved animals,

That's because they're absolutely right. You can't feed a dog the cheapest crap you can find at the store. A lot of the cheap food and "green" pet food is full of empty fillers and have very little nutritional value for the animal. If you ask any veteranarian, they will tell you the importance of quality well-balanced pet food.

[Bella Fortuna]

My post was teasing, of course. I think some have gotten the wrong end of the stick as to what TA was saying, having kneejerk compassionate responses because they are animal lovers.

Are there benefits to keeping pets? Absolutely! Is there anything wrong with loving animals? Of course not. But do humans need pets as we do food, shelter and clothing? No. They are a lovely luxury in that sense.

[Reverend Blair]

Are there benefits to keeping pets? Absolutely! Is there anything wrong with loving animals? Of course not. But do humans need pets as we do food, shelter and clothing? No. They are a lovely luxury in that sense.

I dunno. My animals are pets, not working animals. The cats keep the mice and voles down though, as well as keeping birds from stealing garden seeds. The dogs help to keep deer and rabbits out of the garden and trees. Now, if nobody around here had pets, it would be pretty damned difficult to grow a garden, fruit trees, or even regular trees. Cats and dogs are very much part of the urban, suburban, and ex-urban ecosystem.