"Ron" > wrote in message
<snip>
> From your final paragraph, I interpret your statements to mean that when
> others (in this case animals) are vulnerable harm that you feel an
> obligation to protect them.

It's best to avoid causing as much pain and suffering as is practical.

>If you've been following my conversation
> with Dutch, this can also be argued as the golden rule operationalized
> in that humans fear being unable to defend themselves and treat others
> (animals in this case) as they would like to be treated.

I think it's part of being civilized not to cause a lot of pain to animals
for no good reason.

-Rubystars