Ethically seen it is quite obvious – domestication and pet ownership violate the fundamental rights of non-human animals. When talking about basic animal rights, then we really should only talk about one basic right – the right not to be regarded as ‘property’. If we agree on the fact that human and non-human animals are not ‘things’ or ‘objects’, then they cannot be a property. Also, if human and non-human animals are regarded as ‘objects’, then they logically cannot have an intrinsic value, and therefore they cannot have any rights. Only the owner of an object, or in our case a pet, has got rights, not the object or the pet itself.
Having said that, most pet owners may choose to treat their pets as valued members of their family. The law will protect that decision, because the owner may choose to value his or her property as he or she likes. However, the fact remains, under the existing legal system pets are objects, and they are therefore regarded as property. Animal welfare laws make no difference whatsoever in this respect, they only regulate some aspects of pet ownership, but nothing more. Pet owners have the legal right to treat their animals as they see fit, as long as they provide for minimal food, water and shelter. This leaves an immense grey area for emotional and physical negligence and abuse.
Another fact to consider is that pets are domesticated animals, who are completely dependent on humans, who control every aspect of their lives. These animals have been bred to be compliant, servile and to please humans, even though many of those inbred characteristics are harmful to the animals themselves. Domesticated animals do not belong in our human world, irrespective of how well we treat them. However, they do not belong into the wild either. They are perpetually dependent on us. Humans control their lives forever, which makes them effectively slaves!
Due to these circumstances, and because of this derived responsibility, adoption of rescue animals should be given utmost priority. At the same time, breeding of pets needs to be discouraged and outlawed. Caring for a pet is a big responsibility. It is a commitment for the entire life of the animal concerned. Home and lifestyle need to be suitable for the pet. This applies to cats too. Owning a pet cat requires an investment in time and money, similar to a dog, and should only be considered, if one can provide an appropriate and safe environment. This does not only include the provision of appropriate food, water, shelter, health care, enrichment and companionship. As with any pet, cats should not never be exposed to distress or discomfort. Cats should be properly identified and micro-chipped. Their registration information in associated databases needs to be kept up-to-date.
Owners are encouraged to avoid overpopulation through spaying and neutering. It goes without saying that preventive and therapeutic health care has to be provided for the life of the cat in consultation with, and as recommended by, an experienced veterinarian. Negative impact on other people, other non-human animals and the environment must be avoided. This includes proper waste disposal, noise control and not allowing cats to stray or become feral. It also involves the provision of sufficient exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to age, breed and health status of the animal concerned. As proven by many responsible cat owners, all this can easily be achieved by keeping and caring for cats indoors or in adequate domestic cat enclosures.