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Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

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Re: Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

#91

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The issue is very much analogous. Lots of pigs getting culled (in many cases burned and/or buried alive on a grand scale) because they are infected with diseases that are dangerous to humans. Corona included. I just keep being surprised that there is consensus forming around mink but the hog issue, which is very similar and actually a bigger problem by numbers, is not really part of the mainstream debate. For some re…

Everyone eats pork. Only the rich wear mink coats.

This is factually incorrect given that ~25% of the world literally does not eat pork

Re: Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

#92
post #5

That's horrible, and how can anyone find that ok. Per "Guns, Germs, and Steel", it's not even strategic, because diversification of existing strains should naturally select the least deadly, as well as spread antibodies across species boundaries.

Humans > Minks

Way to go. How can you read about how these animals are farmed and the horrible existence they’re having and still say that.

Re: Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

#93
post #80
post #78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

A single hog being killed for 150000 kcal of sustenance is a lot more morally acceptable than 50 minks being killed for a single luxury coat. It's not cognitive dissonance to think this. (numbers from quick, non-exhaustive googling)

Does the cognitive sophistication of the animals (their ability to feel emotions, form long term memories, etc) factor into that? Pigs are highly sophisticated. Minks probably less so.

I’d suggest you’d have to factor the perceived sophistication of the species as much as the direct benefits for the homo sapiens facing the moral dilemma (you).

Dogs, pigs, cows, are good examples with varying cultural responses.

So... “depends on who you ask”.

Re: Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

#95
post #29
post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Denmark is not a socialist/communist/marxist country, it is not the Danish state's function to provide jobs for people.

You don't have something simulator to Norways social services? In Norway they will help you find a new job, and offer re-education. You also gets up to 80% of your former salary provided by the government until you do.

From what I noticed in the news is that various European countries have similar policies. Meaning, government doesn't reduce employment by (as government) creating jobs or hiring people. However, they do offer support in fining jobs or making it easier to learn another job. Lastly, unemployment rate is often an important topic and the way that's influenced seems nicer than e.g. UK/US methods. For UK/US it doesn't feel like the government cares about their citizens.

To me (Dutch) the other person is speaking about Denmark without knowing a lot about it.

Re: Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

#96

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I completely agree with your first paragraph, but humans > minks by literally any measure.

You're giving human measures of value undue precedence here. It's the same way racists give precedence to their own race, colonialists give precedence to their own culture, and how most humans give precedence to their own species. You belong to a certain group, in this case humans, and your tendency seems to be to apply measures of value that reward the traits at which your group naturally excels. Which all reduce to…

Fully agree with you. But this is inconvenient to think about and a lot of people will make you feel like you’re an idiot for challenging our torturing of animals because it makes them uncomfortable. In a way it’s similar to how the most homophobic men are the ones who are the most afraid of their feminine side.

Re: Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

#98

Norway's Fur Farming Prohibition Act is set to take effect in 2025. May this neighboring scare hasten the demise of this abusive and unnecessary industry.

Is it that much worse than farming hogs? Most of that is done in cages too small to turn around or stand. Live transport and slaughter is also amazingly horrific.

It’s not really a competition. No animal farming is humane, maybe one day we won’t be so self centered anymore and stop these atrocious practices.

Re: Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

#99

I think perhaps keeping animals in packed conditions should be reevaluated for human threat. We are essentially keeping animals in conditions that are not much unlike 14th century Paris where the plague ran rampant

Perhaps keeping humans in packed conditions should also be reevaluated. My whole family hasn't had as much as a cold since the lockdown began. Many others seem to be experiencing the same benefits.

I didn't downvote you, but perhaps as feedback on why your opinion may be controversial, most humans aren't forced to live in packed conditions. Generally you're free to pack up and move somewhere else if it's too cramped for your taste. Living in cities is usually a choice as it offers convenience and numerous opportunities.

Re: Denmark to cull millions of minks over mutated coronavirus

#100
post #78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The issue is very much analogous. Lots of pigs getting culled (in many cases burned and/or buried alive on a grand scale) because they are infected with diseases that are dangerous to humans. Corona included. I just keep being surprised that there is consensus forming around mink but the hog issue, which is very similar and actually a bigger problem by numbers, is not really part of the mainstream debate. For some re…

A single hog being killed for 150000 kcal of sustenance is a lot more morally acceptable than 50 minks being killed for a single luxury coat. It's not cognitive dissonance to think this. (numbers from quick, non-exhaustive googling)

I don’t agree. Pigs are on the same cognitive level as dogs. Would it be morally acceptable to kill and eat a (big) dog for its 150000 calories after raising in terrible conditions for a few years?
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