[FITZ]

Horses are at least as smart as dogs and the French eat them which I think is just as awful.

[Fishing-guy]

Don't horse meat end up in dog food in this country. Now, that is a twist for those judgemental dog lovers.

[HairOfTheDog]

Horses are at least as smart as dogs and the French eat them which I think is just as awful.

I absolutely agree with your point, however I wonder if it is intellect that actually draws the line. When we breed and train animals to be our companions, perform our work, bear our burdens and depend on us for everything, then decency demands a fair contract. The animals in our service perform the tasks that we give them without hesitation (most of the time ;~D) and in exchange, we owe them dignity and fair treatment. Because they deserve it, and because humanity should want it to be so.

Beauty without Vanity
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
And all the Virtues of man,
Without his Vices.
-The Dog... Lord Byron

[mamelukesabre]

Pigs are as smart or smarter than either horses or dogs, yet we all eat pigs(well, not the jews and muslims), and some of us that are hunters, hunt and eat bear. Bears are certainly smarter than any of the above.

A good rule to follow is: DON'T EAT THE FLESH OF A FLESH-EATER.

That would rule out pigs, bear, and dogs, but not horses. That's right, pigs are flesh eaters and we all should probably refrain from eating them, just as the jews and muslims refrain from eating them.

So as I see it, none of us should be criticizing the dog-eaters as long as we continue to be pig-eaters.

[pragmatic_asian]

Pigs are smarter than either of them and taste much better. If you're hungry enough and poor enough, you'll eat anything.

I don't know of any Koreans or Chinese that eat dogs, but there are a lot of Koreans and Chinese I don't know. I'm now mostly vegeterian but I don't begrudge what they eat but I agree that they should be humane about it.