August 12, 2013

Abused Animals Get More Sympathy Than Abused Humans




Northeastern University Professor Jack Levin

[From article]
Professor Levin told the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association: ‘The fact adult human crime victims receive less empathy than do child, puppy, and full-grown dog victims suggests adult dogs are regarded as dependent and vulnerable not unlike their younger canine counterparts and kids.
‘In addition, it appears that adult humans are viewed as capable of protecting themselves while full-grown dogs are just seen as larger puppies.’

Animals have better lobbyists, as indicated by state and US laws regarding protections of humans vs. protections of animals who are used as medical research subjects. The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 (US law) provides fines and prison penalties for using animals contrary to law in medical research. But there are NO penalties for using human subjects without consent for medical research (46 CFR 46). Though there are state laws which carry penalties (fines and prison) for abusing animals in research, few if any states have any laws regulating use of human  subject in medical research. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2389202/Abused-puppies-sympathy-abused-adults-sympathy-abused-children-study-shows.html

Why abused dogs are given more sympathy than battered humans: We see adult canines as more vulnerable than our own kind
Researchers say differences are down to a perception of vulnerability
Boston scientists examined opinions of people who read news articles
Northeastern University expert says findings would be similar for cats
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 00:30 EST, 11 August 2013 | UPDATED: 20:15 EST, 11 August 2013

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