From an article, The Rise of Dog Identity Politics, in New York Magazine
For Singer, and for Newkirk, bestiality is not, in all circumstances, prohibited. “If it isn’t exploitation and abuse, it may not be wrong,” she has said.
Singer, you will recall, argued a few years back that there can be mutually satisfying sexual activities between humans and nonhumans.
But I am puzzled by Newkirk’s statement. When is sex with a nonhuman not exploitation and abuse?
The New York Magazine article article also states:
Although PETA’s mission statement includes language suggesting that each animal life is intrinsically valuable, the organization’s actions describe a more nuanced picture. PETA kills a surprising number of the animals it takes in. In the decade beginning with 1998, PETA euthanized 17,000 animals—85 percent of those it rescued.
Perhaps the answer to my question is that sex with a nonhuman is not exploitation and abuse after the “rescued” animal is killed (by an “animal rights” group) but is still warm.
Gary L. Francione
©2010 Gary L. Francione