17 Nov 2010 16:00
Location:
Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation:
Wageningen University
Promotor:
prof.dr. E.N. Stassen ()
Co Promotor:
Prof.dr.ir. F.W.A. Brom , Prof.dr. J.A. Stegeman
Between 1997 and 2003 three animal diseases had broken out in the Netherlands. In the control strategy not only infected but also millions of healthy animals were culled. This culling was opposed by many people, which showed that moral convictions about animals were changing.
The aim of the research was to describe these moral convictions in Dutch society and their role in judgement on the culling of healthy animals.
Most respondents were of the opinion that humans are superior to animals, that animals have value, that people should do good to all animals and that all animals have a right to life. The one but largest group considered animals and humans to be equal. The convictions were based on a number of moral values, such as the value of animals as living and sentient beings, and their value for the ecosystem.
Most respondents partly agreed/partly disagreed with culling healthy animals to stop the disease from spreading, to protect a country’s export position or to prevent eye infections. Most respondents agreed with culling to protect human life.
Title thesis: Considering animals. Moral convictions concerning animals and judgement on the culling of healthy animals in animal disease epidemics.