Just a thought, Is a cow/sheep/goat/pig a pet?

[burniegoeasily]

Got me thinking when reading the "can we kill our pets" thread. I have had pet pigs, ducks, and goats. I even have a friend who has a pet doe. Is it wrong for others to kill them for food?

I know my rational, just curious of others.

[badshotbob]

I suppose just about any animal can be domesticated enough to be one's "pet", even if domestication comes in the form of a big steel cage. So pigs, cows, goats, chickens, sheep, etc... you bet. They have been known to make some fine pets, and some fine meals.

Now, if you are asking if it's wrong for me to walk on to Lancecat's property, select a nice fat sheep, pull out my .45, cap it, then drag it to my truck then yes, that is obviously wrong. If a neighbor's cow wandered on to my property and I rolled it with my aught six, that would be wrong in my eyes.

[kevin1]

I used to have a Vietnamese Potbellied Pig , probably the best pet I've ever had , but I still eat pork . The Vietnamese have been raising them as pets for centuries , but they also raise normal sized swine for eating . Yes , livestock can be pets .

[Lanse couche couche]

My father once became somewhat attached to a hog that he was raising. He even had games that he played with it. But, it still ended up as pork chops. But, I think that some livestock can become legitimate pets.

By the same token, some animals that would normally be pets, may be viewed by some on the same level as livestock, for example, barn cats.
I don't view them muchdifferently than a sheep in the pasture. I have never seensomeone shed tears when one of them dies.

[BenGarrett]

Them Vietnamese potbellies sure do taste good.