STI COLLEGE ROSARIO

STI Building, General Trias Drive, Barangay Tejero, Rosario, Cavite

CASE STUDY FOR UTILITARIANISM: ANIMAL RIGHTS AND WELFARE

SUBMITTED BY:

Caraga, Aira

Dacumos, Charles Richard

Tabilon, Kyla Mae

Upao, Kate Jenchael

Yolangco, Raybelle

SUBMITTED TO:

Prof. Justine B. Dejumo

 Students Note

The researchers accomplished this case study as part of their academic work regarding
the subject of Ethics at STI College Rosario. This case study is all about
UTILITARIANISM (ANIMALS RIGHT AND WELFARE). The highlight of this case study
is to prevent animal abuse. In conclusion, both animal rights and animal welfare aim to
improve human interaction with animals for the benefit of both.
 I. Synthesis

The case study on animal rights and welfare presents a debate on whether
animals should have moral rights and be included in moral deliberations. Utilitarianism
recognizes that animals can feel physical and emotional pain, but their rights are not
absolute and can be overridden if causing them pain leads to greater happiness for the
majority of humans and nonhuman animals. On the other hand, Kant and rights theory
argue that animals have inherent value and should be treated with respect and dignity.
The debate raises questions about the ethical treatment of animals in various contexts,
such as household products, cosmetic development, and medical experimentation.
Ultimately, the case study highlights the importance of considering the impact of human
actions on animals and the need to balance their welfare with human interests.

Peter Singer argues in his book Animal Liberation that animals are equal candidates for
moral respect, which means that they should be given equal consideration in moral
deliberations. He believes that animals are capable of feeling pleasure and pain and
that their capacity for suffering entitles them to equal consideration. Singer's synthesis
of animal rights and welfare is that animals should be included in moral deliberations,
especially when the decisions made affect them. Utilitarianism recognizes that animals
do feel physical and emotional pain, but causing animal pain is morally permissible
when it obtains greater happiness for the majority of humans and nonhuman animals.
Therefore, utilitarians talk about animal welfare rather than animal rights.

II. Analysis

Pros: We can have a product or medicine that can assure that no one will be
harmed and can satisfy us and give us happiness.
 Cons: The animals we use in the experiment may be endangered, and because
of this, there may be no product that can be made or matetested to produce something
that will not harm humans. The impact of this on the other aspects is that no one will
support that beauty product, which can lead to the bankruptcy of that company. The
impact of it on education is that our school is teaching us how we can protect our nature
and animals, but since all of the researchers and others that are studying medicine are
always using animals, this can lead to no pity for animals; they just feel it is normal
since the researcher is always using animals for their daily research.

III. Insights

There are numerous debates to consider and address when it comes to animal
rights and welfare. As in the case of dogs, some dogs act differently depending on how
their owners treat them. While some dogs are used in military operations, they require
more training and discipline. When researching the role of animals further. The animals
are used for experimentation, research, or as household helpers or companions.
However, it is important to consider the ethical implications of using animals for these
purposes. Many animal rights activists argue that animals should not be used for
experimentation or research, as it can be cruel and inhumane. On the other hand, many
people argue that animals have been domesticated for thousands of years and are an
important part of our daily lives. As such, it is important to strike a balance between
respecting animal rights and utilizing their unique abilities to help us in numerous ways.

The purpose of animal rights and welfare is to keep animals safe from harm. Animal
rights and welfare ensure that each animal has a different value than humans and is
free of pain and abuse, as well as being protected from exploitation and scientific
experimentation. Animals can feel pain and abuse; they also have a smart mind and are
aware of their surroundings. Animals are also a part of society and contribute to the
ecosystem in many ways. It is our responsibility as humans to treat them with respect
and dignity. This means providing them with proper living conditions, access to food and
water, and medical care when needed. We must also work towards ending practices
such as factory farming and animal testing, which cause immense suffering to animals.
Additionally, we should support organizations that rescue and rehabilitate animals who
have been mistreated or abandoned. By doing so, we can create a world where animals
are valued for their own sake, rather than simply as commodities for human use.

IV. Recommendation

Animals become amazing companions and friends for us. In both good and
challenging times, our animal companions show us unwavering love and commitment.
They support law enforcement, assist in search and rescue operations, guard our
homes and animals, help people with disabilities, and occasionally simply by being
there for us. Sadly, there are a lot of adorable animals in shelters or rescues who either
need our aid in finding them forever homes or in other ways.

These are some recommendations on how to promote animal rights and welfare. First is
donation, Donations are constantly needed by animal welfare and rescue organizations.
If you are unable to offer money, think about providing items like pet food, carriers, or
bowls. Second is Foster, if you have the space, the money, and the spare time, think
about fostering an animal. But not everyone is a good fit for fostering. When the time
comes, many individuals find it extremely difficult to say goodbye to their beloved
companions. Nevertheless, fostering can be a highly fulfilling endeavor and a wonderful
way to aid animals in need. Contact a local animal shelter or rescue for further
information if you believe you would be a good foster parent for a pet in need. Third is
Educate, if you have kids, spend some time teaching them about our great animal
friends and the value of treating them with respect and care at all times. Take the kids to
the zoo, or just spend the family night watching some touching animal videos. By
posting on social media about animals in need, you may also assist. Lastly is Volunteer,
another excellent approach to assist animals is by volunteering. You could discover that
you genuinely like the satisfying feeling you receive from helping our canine and feline
friends.
For further information, contact the local shelters and organizations. If you are artistic,
you may also volunteer in another manner by creating something unique, selling it at an
auction, and giving the money raised to a rescue organization.
Reference

https://www.animallaw.info/article/animal-rights-theory-and-utilitarianism-relative-
normative-guidance?
fbclid=IwAR2v6QXUQlX0alsHtA6vWAO5TK3klb2WRqlJ_XsbCfdD6T-usaYWIS8tKyQ

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7166243/?
fbclid=IwAR2Rs_rF8iKq21Y3Nfvig1ye0YMBUs0u8mqycOZD4VKoBZXhJei27py6aSw