[The laboratory animal - measuring device and/or fellow-creature?]

Area of Science:

• Ethics
• Animal Law
• Sociology

Context:

• The Animal Protection Law exhibits an anthropocentric orientation, aiming to reconcile human interests in animal utilization with acknowledged responsibilities towards animals.
• The law's terminology, such as "fellow-creature," contrasts with its regulation of animal objectification and exploitation, reflecting deep-seated Western Judeo-Christian traditions.

Purpose:

• To analyze the inherent ambivalence in current animal protection legislation and societal attitudes towards animals.
• To explore the ethical conflicts arising from the dual valuation of animals as companions and as resources for industry and research.

Summary:

• Modern society displays extreme ambivalence, valuing animals as family members while simultaneously exploiting them on a massive scale for industrial and research purposes.
• Individuals involved in animal use, such as scientists in animal experimentation and animal keepers, navigate these conflicts through personal strategies, often supported by animal protection laws.

Impact:

• The study questions whether fostering genuine human-animal fellowship, rather than prioritizing animal exploitation, could ultimately prove more beneficial for humanity.
• Highlights the ongoing ethical debate and the need for a re-evaluation of human-animal relationships in legal and societal frameworks.