Ban Killing for Sport
Ban Killing for Sport
The Issue
In the UK, it is currently legal to shoot birds (crows, rooks, jackdaws, magpies, jays, woodpigeon, collared doves, feral pigeons*) and mammals (brown rats, grey squirrels, stoats, mink and rabbits*) with a licence and permission from the landowner.
Shooting animals is extremely unethical. Shooting for sport is unjustifiable, and even in cases where targets will be used for food, the way in which they are killed is inhumane. Although our government has protected animals from harm through the Cruelty to Animals Act (1835), and the Animal Welfare Legislation (2006), these are exclusive to large farmyard animals and common domestic pets, such as cats and dogs. The question must be raised as to why we protect some animals rather than others. Is this because of our emotional attachment to particular pets?
Although we claim that we respect 'animal rights', the fact remains that not all animals are protected. Birds and small animals are raised to be killed for sport. If this happened to a dog, cat, or equine creature, it would be a major breach of the Animal Welfare Act, and could result in a fine of up to £20,000 or a jail sentence of up to 51 weeks**.
Why is it acceptable to protect some animals but not others under UK law? A species being 'common' is not an excuse for inhumanity. It does not lower the value of their life. In today's society, where food is of little expense; where technology and entertainment continue to flourish; where all our essentials are accessible, there is no place for this cruel and outdated 'sport'.
What gives humans the right to play God? It is not our role to determine the fate of other species. Despite the common counterarguments and so-called justifications for the shooting of birds and small animals, morality must be taken into account.
The permission of the landowner should not eradicate the rights of the animals. A landowner owns the land, not the animals; they should not be given the power to sentence creatures to death.
Killing animals is morally wrong. Our laws should reflect our morals as a country.
*http://basc.org.uk/airgunning/basc-air-rifle-code-of-practice/
**http://www.findlaw.co.uk/law/criminal/crimes_a_z/500462.html
The Issue
In the UK, it is currently legal to shoot birds (crows, rooks, jackdaws, magpies, jays, woodpigeon, collared doves, feral pigeons*) and mammals (brown rats, grey squirrels, stoats, mink and rabbits*) with a licence and permission from the landowner.
Shooting animals is extremely unethical. Shooting for sport is unjustifiable, and even in cases where targets will be used for food, the way in which they are killed is inhumane. Although our government has protected animals from harm through the Cruelty to Animals Act (1835), and the Animal Welfare Legislation (2006), these are exclusive to large farmyard animals and common domestic pets, such as cats and dogs. The question must be raised as to why we protect some animals rather than others. Is this because of our emotional attachment to particular pets?
Although we claim that we respect 'animal rights', the fact remains that not all animals are protected. Birds and small animals are raised to be killed for sport. If this happened to a dog, cat, or equine creature, it would be a major breach of the Animal Welfare Act, and could result in a fine of up to £20,000 or a jail sentence of up to 51 weeks**.
Why is it acceptable to protect some animals but not others under UK law? A species being 'common' is not an excuse for inhumanity. It does not lower the value of their life. In today's society, where food is of little expense; where technology and entertainment continue to flourish; where all our essentials are accessible, there is no place for this cruel and outdated 'sport'.
What gives humans the right to play God? It is not our role to determine the fate of other species. Despite the common counterarguments and so-called justifications for the shooting of birds and small animals, morality must be taken into account.
The permission of the landowner should not eradicate the rights of the animals. A landowner owns the land, not the animals; they should not be given the power to sentence creatures to death.
Killing animals is morally wrong. Our laws should reflect our morals as a country.
*http://basc.org.uk/airgunning/basc-air-rifle-code-of-practice/
**http://www.findlaw.co.uk/law/criminal/crimes_a_z/500462.html
Petition Closed
Share this petition
The Decision Makers
Share this petition
Petition created on 17 January 2015