[wellard]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: There's nothing wrong with sticking up for animals, Wellard, and I don't think there is. But, PETA-Freaks switch their brains off when doing so. What about the guy they attacked for putting a wounded bird out of its misery? What about that mink farm they invaded where they freed all the minks only to have fully half of them kill each other on the way out and the other half released into an environment where they are an invasive species?? They give a good cause a bad name. Now, I don't have statistics on dolphin-deaths-by-mines, and I can't speak completely to this issue without that information. But, I would bet these dolphins live in the lap of luxury. Dolphins don't cooperate very well when they aren't treated very well - they are simply too aware of their circumstances. And, is a machine better? If the dolphin is treated as a partner and friend and treated well by its (I hate this word with animals) *owner*, then isn't it the best symbiosis? I mean we're talking cooperation here, not death-by-longlines.

They do look like two very bad examples Timber. Thank goodness that the mink episode did not happen in Australia. *Shudders* and I've been a member of an injured wildlife rescue outfit for a while and seemed to spend half the time putting down injured animals. So I am with you all the way on these two issues. No doubt if we trawl through the list of "actions" by PETA we will find more examples that are a result of hearts leading heads. But to start the thread with PETA freaks.... is surely leading the jury and to hang a whole organization from the result of some actions by its members is a bit unfair IMO.

Not forgetting as a leader on this board, on animal and environmental issues, people who respect your views as the most informed will have read this "PETA freaks" thread and may come to the conclusion that all PETA actions are crazy *"Why even Timber thinks so"* I know you can't and should not be held responsible for what others make of your views, but maybe it is worth keeping in mind [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Next issue [img]graemlins/heee.gif[/img]

I'm quite sure that the dolphins are treated better than anywhere else in the world where they are working for humans. Also, as I have not heard otherwise, I am prepared to accept that there has been no known dolphin deaths regarding US minesweeping. However this does not mean that putting their lives in danger when there might well be a better mechanical alternate is acceptable. It is a cause to keep our eyes upon, and pressure the US to come up with an alternate.