It was a Tupperware tub of live baby rats that made Dr Jessica Pierce start to question the idea of pet possession. Whereas pets remain property within the UK, the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 stipulates that pet owners should provide a basic level of care for his or her animals. In 2001, Rhode Island modified its laws to describe pet homeowners as guardians” , a move that some animal rights’ advocates lauded (and others criticised for being nothing more than a change in title).

Though Pierce and Francione agree that pet ownership is mistaken, each of them have pets: Pierce has two dogs and a cat; Francione has six rescue canines, whom he considers refugees”. For now, the argument over whether we should always own animals is essentially theoretical: we do have pets and giving them up may cause more harm than good.

Pets are also property in the US, however 32 states, in addition to Puerto Rico and Washington DC, now embody provisions for pets underneath home violence safety orders. Moreover, as Francione suggests, caring for pets seems to many individuals to be the one space the place we are able to really do right by animals; convincing individuals of the other is a tough sell.

While pets remain property within the UK, the Animal Welfare Act of 2006 stipulates that pet homeowners must provide a primary degree of care for his or her animals. In 2001, Rhode Island changed its legislation to describe pet owners as guardians” , a transfer that some animal rights’ advocates lauded (and others criticised for being nothing greater than a change in identify).

Though Pierce and Francione agree that pet possession is improper, both of them have pets: Pierce has two dogs and a cat; Francione has six rescue canine, whom he considers refugees”. For now, the argument over whether or not we must always own animals is essentially theoretical: we do have pets and giving them up would possibly cause more hurt than good.