Why is it more of a crime to harm an animal than to hurt a human?

Question

I don't abuse animals and love my dog a bunch, but wouldn't you think you should get a harsher sentence for hitting and injuring a person? Why is it a bad thing to humanely dispose of pest creatures by shooting them?

I am just merily curious.

To clarify, by pest creatures-I mean rats, snakes, and other potentially disease spreading animals in the home.

Answer 1

There's a number of things to consider here.

First, the human is more likely to have done something to deserve violence from another human than an animal is. Most animals are perfectly content to mind their own business and avoid humans that are all-too-happy to kill them just for being there.

Second, another human has a much better chance of defending itself. Another human is far more likely to have a comprehension of your intents and motivations, a better understanding of your limitations and tactics, and can thus develop a defense or escape much more quickly and with greater effectiveness than most animals can.

Third, humans have a technological advantage over animals. Humans are often quite proud of the animals they have killed, and yet they most often use some form of weaponry that is unavailable to or unusable by the animal they've killed. I'd like to see a man tackle a lion and beat it to death or strangle a grizzly bear. I'd even be impressed to see a man rid his property of squirrels using nothing but his ingenuity and his own bare hands.

And, lastly, I'd like to note that "humanely disposing of a pest animal" is a subjective statement. Only a human is arrogant enough to suggest that the "disposal of a pest animal" is "humane" or "inhumane". I'll bet that the animal that you're calling a "pest" probably sees you as being just as much of a "pest", and very likely does not see any "humanity" in you're killing it, no matter how you do it.

Answer 2

Both are crimes. Often, people who abuse animals also abuse humans. The penalties are greater for human abuse, but that doesn't mean animal abusers should get away with it.

As for shooting "pest" animals, that really depends on the situation. I wouldn't shoot a neighbor's dog for pooping on the lawn or messing in the garbage. But I would shoot a dog that was threatening my grandkids, or one that appeared rabid, But I live far in the country, and realistically can't depend on animal control to do anything about it.

For wild pest animals, I would try humane capture and release before I resorted to killing them.

Answer 3

Well, hold it. You have changed your premise in the middle of your question. As many here have noted, it is NOT always more serious to "harm" an animal than to "hurt" a human, at least if the harm is the same. If the harm is different (e.g., if you torture an animal as opposed to just hitting a human), then the punishment will be proportionally different. However, in response to your final question, it is certainly more serious to KILL an animal unlawfully than it is merely to hurt a human.

Answer 4

hitting/injuring a human can be done on purpose or due to the situation. when someone hits a person out of anger and hitting a person for no reason at all are different situations. hence the punishment given may vary. animals cruelty/harm is mostly done for to cause pain/harm to them. Maybe that’s why it may seem that for most animal cases, the punishment seem harsher.

animals are weaker than us humans. if you harm an animal you won't see those animals coming to court asking for justice and all. even its existence depends on us.. if we are not careful we can cause their extinction. harming such a living creature apparently shows how sadist the person is. because he/she thinks they can get away from it. they are showing no respect to it. if such a harsh punishment isn't imposed on animal cruelty/crimes the human will take advantage of them without doubt.

anyway i don't think harsher punishment is given based on animals/humans but based on the extent of the crime to humans and animals.

Answer 5

I don't think that's even possible. Humans are more important in the world. A person who kills human should get in more trouble then harming the animals. But it depends though. Like if you put poison in a lake that has millions and billions of fish, you could get in trouble because fish is a good resource for humans.

Answer 6

Laws are determined by humans. If it is a greater crime to hurt animals than to hurt humans, I believe that shows how humans feel about their self worth.

Please keep in mind that laws very from place to place. In some locals it is believed to be humane to kill some animals to aloow for the better health of the overall animal population. Folks who live in cities may not comprehend this concept...until the pidgeons start spreading the avian flu.

Answer 7

It's just like hurting a child. They are defenseless and at a disadvantage. Humans at least can defend themselves with weapons. It's not a level playing field. They are at your mercy and it's cruel to abuse the trust.

Answer 8

I don't know where you live, but here in the USA you will receive much more severe penalties for harming a human than an animal.

Answer 9

good question. Even a child eventually grows up to defend itself, but an animal is always a child. I say absolute death penalty to anybody who intentionally and seriously injures a helpless animal.

Answer 10

I think hitting and injuring a person is assault. You do get a harsher sentence for assault than you do for animal cruelty.