Conclusion

Summary

It is commonly believed that our obligations toward other human beings are not restricted to abstaining from harming them. We should also prevent or alleviate harmful states of affairs for other individuals whenever it is in our power to do something about it. In animal ethics, however, the idea that we may have reasons not only to refrain from harming animals but also to help them is not particularly widespread. Of course, exceptions can be found regarding companion animals. Most people agree that failing to assist them would be wrong if we could otherwise help them. Most people give their companion animals veterinary care and believe such care should be extended to all captive animals. But what about all other animals in need, shouldn’t we also help them? Consider The Drowning Chimp case introduced at the beginning of this book. Do you have an obligation to save the chimp? Consider also the numerous rescues of animals trapped in the ice or the recent efforts of Australian authorities and communities to help kangaroos, camels, horses, koalas, alpacas, and many other animals caught in the flames to survive as well as the aerial distribution of food in the days following the fires. Isn’t that something that we ought to do?