Moral limitations concerning the use of animals on social media and the role of the veterinary professional

Abstract

This thesis reviews the practice of using animals for social media purposes from the perspectives of utilitarianism and the animal rights view, and discusses the responsibility veterinarians have in this context. The positions of both theories with regard to this practice of animal use are made clear using relevant normative and empirical arguments. This analysis is combined with the input from semi-structured dialogue sessions on the subject. These dialogue sessions show how people seemingly hold beliefs which are exclusive to either one of the theories simultaneously. The undesirable consequences of this are subsequently discussed, and arguments against ideal theory are refuted. This leads to an argument for choosing one particular ethical theory which ought to be followed when faced with any moral problem, including that of the ethical use of animals on social media. The decision which ethical theory this ought to be is reached by using the outlined utilitarian and rights perspectives on the moral issues central to this thesis to consider what accepting either theory would mean for how veterinarians ought to act. By appeal to our considered beliefs, the animal rights view is acknowledged as superior. Based on the animal rights view, the moral duties of veterinarians in the context of using animals for social media purposes are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made on how the current veterinary education system should change to adequately equip veterinarians to be able to fulfil the duties which result from an animal rights perspective.