Did you see the article on the abandoned puppy that turned out to be an abandoned black fox? It reminded me of an article I'd read in National Geographic. For years, there has been a scientific experiment running in Russia to domesticate foxes. These researchers started in the 1950s and have almost managed what it took thousands of years to do with dogs: full domestication. Their foxes crave attention from humans. When held, they lick your face and wag their tail. The problem: there is little to no money for the research. The foxes are being sold to fur farms or euthanized. A handful are being sold as pets to the US and Russia. Is it right? Is it wrong? Personally, I find the study fascinating, but bottom line: I'm against any type of animal experimentation that's detrimental to the animal.
http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2012/03/domesticated_foxes_in_siberia_an_experiment_in_peril_.html
16 comments:
That fox looks so much like the dog we had. Our dog had "golden retriever" floppy ears, but he was small, and had a lush tail and a little pointy nose that made us think there was a fox somewhere in his lineage. I'm against animal experimentation, too. I was sorry to see that a puppy had been cloned. Clones have a very short life. It seems so cruel.
I guess domestication of foxes is no different than lots of animals that are currently pets. I'm totally against cloning or experimentation on animals though. It's plain not right.
I was very interested in learning about this, Sandra. I never realized there were scientists out there remotely thinking about domesticating foxes. As much as I would be interested in having a pet fox myself, I'm totally against any animal experimentations which would endanger these precious animals. With the endless number of breeds out there for dog-lovers, I'm sure this should suffice people who enjoy having pets.
What's the purpose of domesticating foxes? If people are looking for a companion animal, like a dog or a cat, there are plenty to be found in shelters. Domesticating a wild animal only to abandon it, is beyond cruel. Wild animals should be left in the wild
Domesticating foxes so that they love and trust you... only to sell them for fur or euthanize them seems like the worst sort of treatment. They don't see it coming. I am against that.
I love foxes. I don't want them sold for fur, especially if they've come to trust humans. That's just plain wrong.
Hi Elizabeth, Wow, wouldn't that be something if the dog you had did have some fox DNA. I agree on the cloning thing. There's so many animals in shelters we don't need to create more.
I agree, Shelley. It's plain not right.
I agree, Gina.
Well said, CJ.
It sounds horrible doesn't it, Robin.
I do too, Julia. (As long as they leave the cats alone:) And you're right. It's just plain wrong.
Unfortunately, you're right, Blue G., people can be cruel.
I agree Sandra. I was manager in an animal shelter for several years, and yes putting down dogs and cats was part of the job. I hated it and carry a mental anguish about those animals. In some cases it was necessary for human safety but with limited funding and an over abundance of thrown away pets, many good pets died. I hate what humans do not only to pets, but to both wild and domestic animals... and what we do in the name of experimentation puts question to the actual intelligence of the experimenters.
I really admire you for being able to take on a job in a shelter. They desperately need caring people. I don't see how you can care and come out unscathed.
Blessings to you.
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